A bird with a black back flew into a tree in Sebastopol. It perched very erect and then swivelled its head through 180 degrees, showing very owl-like features – sooty-black face, two large eyes close together, and small beak. After a while it flew, revealing a taupe or fawn colour on the front, and the neck or bib was dark russet red which merged to black on its back. Feet were yellow.
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D.O., Sebastopol.
Your bird is most likely an Australian hobby, a member of the falcon family. Hawks of various species can often appear rather owl-like when perched. The Australian hobby has the dark head and face you describe, also the pale rusty colour underneath and the yellow legs. Your bird probably just missed a sparrow or starling when it decided to rest in the tree.
- Questions and photos are welcome. Send to Roger Thomas at The Courier, PO Box 21, Ballarat, 3353, or email to rthomas@vic.australis.com.au