This tiny falcon invariably occupies part of the huge communal nesting structures of Sociable weavers. You can see this display for yourself in enclosure 19 when you visit the Sanctuary! The females falcon has a chestnut back and white eye spot on nape while the juvenile falcon have a brown back which is duller the adult female one with a rufous wash on the breast. Upperparts are grey with buff-tipped feathers in young male. It uses the weaver nests as roost, but also as nest-site, and especially the huge communal nesting structure of Sociable Weaver (Philetairus socius) in South Africa. Wingspan . Falcon flight is low and undulating and because of its size and pattern, it perches upright in an open treetops and it usually inhabits dry bush. The pygmy falcon, or African pygmy falcon , is a falcon that lives in eastern and southern Africa and is the smallest raptor on the continent. Legs and feet are red-orange. The tiny falcon measures just about 7.5 inches long and is the smallest bird of prey found in Africa. As a small falcon, only 19 to 20 cm long, it preys on insects, small reptiles, and small mammals. The African Pygmy-falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus) is a falcon that lives in eastern and southern Africa, the smallest raptor of the continent. It also gives thin, squeaky “tsip-tsip”. Polihierax semitorquatus, BIOMETRICS: The hooked bill is grey with black tip. They may perform local movements during the period of great aridity in the driest areas. It is the smallest raptor on the continent. Female lays 3 eggs. After the falcon sights its prey, it quickly dives to the ground snatching its victim in its talons, and then it returns to the perch for feeding. African Pygmy Falcon frequents arid and semi-arid steppes with sparse vegetation and some large trees or plants. See more ideas about Birds of prey, Birds, African. The young give sharp “ki-ki-ki-ki-ki-ki” when alarmed. Found in arid savanna, where it breeds in the nest of a Sociable Weaver or buffalo-weaver. FLIGHT: In some regions, such as the Kalahari, several Pygmy Falcons are resident in these nests. The White-rumped Falcon, which had also been included in the genus Polihierax, is not closely related to the Pygmy Falcon and is basal to Falco and the falconets. Flight feathers and rectrices are black, finely spotted and tipped white. This species may produce two broods per season, but usually only one. The Pygmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus) is a falcon and a member of the Falconidae family. BEHAVIOUR: During the breeding season, the African Pygmy Falcon performs some courtship displays such as bobbing the head, bowing and wagging the tail, accompanied by calls. Regardless of their size, they are a voracious predator just like birds of prey. It perches from a tall tree as it watches down for a food. Species ID Suggestions Sign in to suggest organism ID. Similar to the woodpecker, falcons are agile in flight and can dart through the air. Range, habitat, and population The pygmy falcon inhabits dry bush. Incubation lasts about 28 days to one month, and both parents share it, but female incubates more than male which brings food to her while she is on the nest. So cute!! African Pygmy-falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus) is a falcon that lives in eastern and southern Africa, the smallest raptor of the continent. It may perform short aerial chases, but rarely. The back is brown in females and gray in males. Both have paler orange bare parts than adults. Female is similar, but she has deep chestnut mantle. Sexes can be differentiated at one month (Maclean, 1970). African Pygmy Falcon. Falcons avoid forests and open edges but frequently visit huge nests of birds who they share roosting and nesting sites with. Although both parents incubate the eggs for thirty days, it takes a higher toll on the female. Movements: Probably non-migratory. During winter, it remains confined to the nest-chamber for up to 15 hours per day. The white rump is conspicuous in fast, slightly undulating flight, which is very different from that of a typical falcon. The pygmy falcon is the smallest type of predatory bird in Africa and can mostly be found in eastern and southern parts of the continent. Weight: 54-67 g. DESCRIPTION: They prefer a climate that is arid or semi arid. African Pygmy Falcon is usually resident in most part of the range. One strategy of animals is to modify the environment or take advantage of structures constructed by other species. averages 37cm, weight 54 to 67 grams, and torso 20cm (del Hoyo, et al., 1994). African Pygmy Falcon is noisy during the breeding season, uttering high-pitched calls and songs “twee-twee-twip” or “kiki-kik” used by the male. The nest entrance becomes coated with the droppings of the falcons. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. 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