African Pygmy-falcon
Polihierax semitorquatus
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
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The African Pygmy-falcon exhibits remarkable agility, essential for its swift, direct flights and mid-air insect captures. Its ability to manoeuvre quickly to catch prey or evade larger predators in its open habitat demonstrates high agility for its size.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Despite being Africa's smallest raptor, the African Pygmy-falcon possesses strength disproportionate to its tiny frame. It can take prey as large as small birds and rodents, showcasing impressive strength for its size, though naturally limited compared to larger raptors.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
This species shows high adaptability, thriving in various arid environments from savannas to desert fringes. Its unique symbiotic relationship with sociable weavers and ability to utilise their nests for breeding further demonstrates its adaptive capabilities.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not overly aggressive, African Pygmy-falcons display moderate aggression in hunting and territorial defence. They actively protect weaver colonies from predators and engage in swift, direct attacks on prey, indicating a notable level of assertiveness.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The African Pygmy-falcon's endurance is considerable for its size. It maintains year-round territories in harsh, arid environments and engages in active hunting throughout the day. However, as a small bird, its absolute endurance is naturally limited compared to larger species.
Diet
African Pygmy-falcons primarily feed on insects, particularly locusts, grasshoppers, and beetles. They also prey on small lizards, rodents, and occasionally small birds.
Their hunting strategy involves swift aerial pursuits or dropping onto unsuspecting prey from elevated perches.
Behaviour
African Pygmy-falcons are often seen perched conspicuously on treetops or termite mounds, scanning for prey. They hunt with swift, direct flights, catching insects in mid-air or pouncing on small vertebrates on the ground.
These falcons are typically found in pairs or small family groups, exhibiting strong pair bonds.
Vocalisation
The African Pygmy-falcon's call is a high-pitched, rapid series of 'kik-kik-kik' or 'kyu-kyu-kyu' notes.
During courtship or territorial displays, they may produce a more prolonged, trilling 'krrrrrrr' sound. Their vocalisations, while not loud, are distinctive in their arid habitats.
Nesting & Breeding
African Pygmy-falcons have a unique breeding strategy. They typically nest within the massive communal nests of sociable weavers. The breeding season varies geographically but often coincides with the end of the dry season or the beginning of rains.
They do not build their own nests but instead occupy a chamber within the weaver's nest structure. Females lay 2-4 white eggs, which both parents incubate for about 28-30 days.
Chicks fledge after approximately 27-30 days but may remain with their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest. This association with weaver colonies provides protection and a stable nesting environment.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the African Pygmy-falcon is currently listed as Least Concern, habitat loss and degradation pose potential threats.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving their savanna and desert habitats, particularly areas with large, sociable weaver colonies, which are crucial for their nesting.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Unknown
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them perched on top of large, sociable weaver nests
- Scan acacia trees and termite mounds in open savanna habitats
- Listen for their high-pitched, repeated 'kik-kik-kik' calls
- Observe early morning or late afternoon when they are most active
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Family:
FalconidaeAverage Lifespan
5 to 8 years
Predators
Did You Know?
- African Pygmy-falcons are the smallest raptors in Africa and among the smallest in the world.
- They have a symbiotic relationship with sociable weavers, using their nests but also protecting the colony from predators.
- Despite their tiny size, they can take prey as large as small birds and rodents.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Polihierax semitorquatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22696313A93554647.
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