African Pygmy-falcon

Polihierax semitorquatus

This tiny raptor, no bigger than a starling, packs a fierce punch as it hunts insects and small prey across the savannas of East and Southern Africa.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

The African Pygmy-falcon is a tiny raptor, measuring just 19-20 cm long. Males are predominantly pale grey on the head and back, with white underparts and a distinctive black 'mask' around the eyes. The wings are grey with black primary feathers, creating a striking contrast in flight.

Females are different to males, with brown backs and wings instead of grey. Both sexes have bright yellow legs and feet and a small, sharp, grey beak. Juveniles resemble females but may have a more mottled appearance on their backs.

Size

Length

19cm to 20cm

Wingspan

35cm to 40cm

Weight

50g to 70g

Colours

Male Female

Primary Colour

Grey White

Secondary Colour

Black Brown

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Yellow

Primary Colour (Female)

Brown White

Secondary Colour (Female)

Grey

Beak Colour (Female)

Grey

Leg Colour (Female)

Yellow

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The African Pygmy-falcon is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The African Pygmy-falcon is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The African Pygmy-falcon is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The African Pygmy-falcon is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The African Pygmy-falcon is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The African Pygmy-falcon is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The African Pygmy-falcon is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The African Pygmy-falcon can be found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The African Pygmy-falcon is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The African Pygmy-falcon is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The African Pygmy-falcon is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The African Pygmy-falcon can be found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

African Pygmy-falcons inhabit arid and semi-arid savannahs, dry woodlands, and desert fringes across East and Southern Africa. They are particularly associated with areas containing acacia trees and large sociable weaver colonies, which provide nesting sites.

Their range extends from Ethiopia and Somalia in the north to South Africa in the south, including countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, and Botswana. They are non-migratory and maintain year-round territories within their preferred habitats.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Tropical, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a African Pygmy-falcon. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons