months in males and 13 months in females. parents to help rear the next clutch (Spottiswoode, 2004). The male has a blue-gray cap, while the female has a rusty-red cap. It has a distinctive appearance, with a gray-brown back, white underparts, and black markings around its eyes and beak. The African Pygmy Falcon is found in two distinct regions of Africa. Description Adult African Pygmy-falcons are white below and on the face, grey above, the female having a chestnut back. The Pygmy Falcon is one of the smallest falcon species, with adults measuring only 6-7 inches (16-18 cm) in length and weighing around 1.5-2 ounces (40-60 grams). Inside the nest of sociable weavers, where there is better insulation. hatching the juvenile African pygmy falcon can feed its self and may leave their parents (Steyn, 1983) though there has been recent evidence that the fledglings will stay with the. Juveniles are distinguished from adults by having buff underparts with dark streaks. Habitat: Over much of its range, the lappet-faced vulture inhabits dry savannah, semi-arid or desert. Corroboration for the last is that in winter African pygmy falcons nest further African Pygmy-falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus). Juveniles have a brown back, duller than adult females, with a rufous wash on the breast. There are four potential reasons for this behaviour:ĭefence, co-operative polyandry, delayed dispersal of offspring and cooperation, and thermoregulation (warmth). Description edit African Pygmy Falcon Female at Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Kenya Adult pygmy falcons are white below and on the face, grey above, and females having a chestnut back. Pygmy falcon territories are occasionally inhabited by groups, where there are more than two adults living together and tending nestlings. Pygmy falcons provided one of the rare documented cases of intraspecific killing to Despite being bird-eaters and bigger than sociable weavers, the pygmyįalcons largely leave the latter alone, though they do occasionally catch and eat nestlings and even adults. In Kenya, pygmy falcons nest in white-headed buffalo weaver nests, and the ranges of the two birds coincide. ![]() ![]() As a small falcon, only 19 to 20 cm long, it preys on insects, small reptiles, and small mammals. Insects, but also some rodents and birds.The pygmy falcon, or African pygmy falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus), is a falcon that lives in eastern and southern Africa and is the In the wild, these birds feed mainly on small lizards and large Lives in eastern and southern Africa, the smallest raptor of theĪs a small falcon, only 19 to 20 cm long, it preys on insects, smallĪfrican pygmy falcons are found around the arid steppes of eastern and Wingspan averages 37cm, weight 54 to 67 grams, and torso 20cm (del Hoyo, et al., 1994). Sexes can be differentiated at one month (Maclean, 1970). The African Pygmy-falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus) is a falcon that The juvenile African pygmy falcon is grey above and buff tinted below (Mackworth-Praed and Grant, 1969). The Sport of FalconryĪfrican Pygmy-falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus) They have reddish orange feet and around their eyes. African Pygmy Falcons are white below and grey above. ![]() The tiny falcon measures just about 7.5 inches long and is the smallest bird of prey found in Africa. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.Īfrican Pygmy Falcon - Polihierax semitorquatusAfrican Pygmy-falconsīirds of Prey. The African Pygmy Falcon is a small bird of prey that lives in parts of eastern and southern Africa. Though small, these falcons will bravely chase off predators larger than themselves, especially if they are protecting eggs or chicks in the nest. Like most birds of prey, pygmy falcons have a keen sense of sight. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. African Pygmy Falcon It is the smallest raptor in Africa. The African Pygmy Falcon is classified as Least Concern. Original source: Steve Garvie from Dunfermline, Fife, ScotlandCamera location Author: Steve Garvie from Dunfermline, Fife, ScotlandCamera location Picture of the African Pygmy Falcon has been licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike.
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