What are black falcons?
Black falcons are a rare color variant of the peregrine falcon, a medium-sized raptor found worldwide. Peregrine falcons typically have blue-gray upperparts and whitish underparts with fine darker streaks. However, a small percentage of peregrines are almost entirely black except for some faint barring on the underside. These rare black individuals are known as “black falcons.”
The frequency of black falcons
True black falcons are quite rare globally. It is estimated that only 1 in every 1,000 to 10,000 peregrine falcons is black. Researchers have noted higher proportions of black falcons in some parts of the world, such as Alaska where 3-5% of peregrines are black. But overall, black falcons make up less than 1% of the total peregrine falcon population.
Reasons for black falcon rarity
There are several reasons why black falcons are rare compared to the normal color type:
– Genetics – The gene for black plumage is recessive. Both parents must carry the gene for a chick to display the black coloration. Because the gene is relatively rare, the chances of two carriers mating is low.
– Camouflage – The black coloration may make young falcons more obvious to predators or prey compared to the normal plumage. This could lead to lower survival rates.
– Climate – Melanism seems more common in colder regions like Alaska, suggesting the black color may aid with heat absorption in cold climates. In warmer regions, black plumage may be detrimental.
– Random chance – With rare recessive genes, numbers can fluctuate due to random chance. Some black birds may fly away and fail to pass on the gene, further reducing frequencies.
Identifying black falcons
Telling a true black falcon apart from other dark color variants can be tricky:
– Look for a complete lack of streaking or barring on the body and flight feathers. Variants may show subtle patterns.
– Check for yellow or orange feet, beak, and eye ring. Pure black falcons will lack yellow tones and have dark eyes.
– Examine the wings and tail closely when backlit. Black falcons show no light passing through.
– Juveniles start darker and gradually get paler barring. Young pure blacks retain their solid coloration.
– Listen for vocalizations like loud “kak-kak-kak” alarm calls. Vocalizations are the same in black and normal falcons.
Black falcon conservation
Since black falcons remain rare globally, they are a conservation priority in many areas, especially where their frequencies are higher. Conservation actions include:
– Monitoring populations and reporting black falcon sightings to agencies.
– Protecting habitat, such as cliff faces and coastlines for nesting.
– Banding black falcons to track movements and survival.
– Captive breeding programs in some regions to increase genetic diversity.
– Reducing threats like Egg collecting, electrocution, or disturbance at nest sites.
Overall, the uniqueness and rarity of black falcons make them an important part of global peregrine falcon diversity worthy of continued conservation attention. With targeted efforts, agencies hope to maintain healthy populations of these striking rare color variants into the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many black falcons are there?
There are no precise counts, but black falcons are estimated to make up less than 1% of the global peregrine falcon population. Based on peregrine falcon population estimates, there are likely fewer than 10,000 black falcons in the world. However, their rarity makes population size difficult to determine.
Why are black falcons rare?
Black plumage is caused by a rare recessive gene. Both parents must carry this gene for a chick to be black. Because the gene is uncommon, the chances of two carriers mating and producing a black chick are low. Black coloration may also incur survival costs due to predation or heat absorption.
Where can you see black falcons?
Black falcons are widespread but local anywhere peregrine falcons occur. Your best chance is in areas with high peregrine densities and documented black falcon sightings, such as coastal Alaska and Australia. Look for dark raptors on cliffsides and check for yellow feet and non-streaked plumage.
Are black falcons a separate species?
No, black falcons are a color variant or morph of the peregrine falcon. They are the same species and genetically compatible with normally colored peregrines. Rare color morphs like black can occur in many animal species.
Are black falcons endangered?
Black falcons are considered rare globally but their conservation status has not been separately evaluated by international organizations. Overall peregrine populations are relatively healthy and not endangered. But local rarity makes black falcons a priority for conservation in many regions.
Black Falcon Spottings
Here are some reported sightings of rare black falcons around the world:
Location | Details |
Homer, Alaska | A black peregrine was spotted on the bluffs near town in 2016. It was defending a nesting territory. |
Varanger Peninsula, Norway | One to two black falcons are regularly seen among cliff nest sites during summer months. |
Swansea, Wales | A juvenile black falcon caused excitement when spotted hunting pigeons in the city center in 2020. |
Melbourne, Australia | A black peregrine nicknamed “Shadow” by locals has been nesting on a tall city building annually since 2018. |
Seward, Alaska | Groups of migrating peregrines passing through often contain a black individual, spotted foraging along the coast. |
Skomer Island, Wales | Staff observing peregrine nests on sea cliffs photographed an adult black falcon in 2015, but it has not been seen since. |
As you can see, black falcons cause excitement due to their rarity whenever they are spotted around the world. Reporting sightings aids researchers in tracking these unique bird’s movements and distributions.
Comparing Black Falcons to Other Black Bird Species
Black falcons stand out due to their rarity among peregrine falcons. But there are other black bird species where dark plumage is more common:
Ravens
Entirely black plumage is normal in ravens and other corvid species. Ravens are larger than falcons with wedge-shaped tails and chunky bills. Their feathers also have a purple-blue iridescence in bright light.
Blackbirds
The common blackbird has black males and brown females. They are plump songbirds with long tails and pointed bills. Blackbirds walk while falcons hop, and blackbirds lack the bold facial patterns of falcons.
Crows
All-black plumage is the norm in crows. But crows have squared tails compared to the falcon’s tapered shape. And crows travel in noisy social groups, unlike the solitary falcon.
Black Skimmers
These black and white seabirds have oversized bills with a unique elongated lower mandible. In flight, their large white wing patches and different bill shape easily distinguish them from a black falcon.
So while not unique among birds, the black falcon’s all-dark plumage makes it stand out as exceptionally rare compared to most peregrine falcons. This explains why black morphs attract so much interest from birders when spotted.
Black Falcons in Culture and History
The rarity and striking appearance of black falcons has earned them an important place in various cultures and histories:
Heraldry
The black falcon features in the coats of arms of several noble families and areas, often depicted in a dramatic pose. Examples include the coats of arms of the Velasco dynasty of Spain and the city of Berat in Albania.
Literature
In William Shakespeare’s play Henry VI Part 3, the black falcon is used as a symbol of the Duke of York’s rare valor in battle.
Astrology
Some traditions assign the black falcon to those born between March 18 and April 17. The black falcon represents primal energy, independence, and cunning.
Military Aviation
The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk fighter plane flown by the famous Flying Tigers squadron during WWII was painted with an intimidating sharkmouth design and called the “Black Falcon.”
Native American Culture
Black falcons appear in totem and spirit animal lore of tribes like the Cherokee and Sioux. They are seen as a guide to support focus and determination during difficult times.
Philately
Black falcons have been featured on rare commemorative stamps, including a 1975 peregrine stamp from Australia and a 2013 stamp from Aland Islands.
So while already prized by wildlife enthusiasts, the black falcon has also earned a special place in human culture through history. Its mysterious dark plumage has inspired many flights of human creativity and symbolism over the centuries.
Conclusion
In summary, black falcons stand out as one of the rarest color morphs among peregrine falcons worldwide. The genetic factors that produce their striking black plumage are uncommon, making pure black falcons a treat for birders when they are spotted. Recognition of their rarity has also led to black falcons being prized culturally and inspiring creative human expression. With dedicated conservation, these unique raptors will continue to maintain a small but special niche within the peregrine falcon population into the future.