Pygmy Falcon
ExploreBirds
Pygmy Falcon
polihierax semitorquatus
The Pygmy Falcon is a tiny bird of prey that loves to hunt for insects and small animals. With its beautiful feathers and quick movements, it's like a little superhero of the skies!
Habitat: They live in open grasslands and savanna regions, especially near trees where they can perch and look for food.
Appearance
The Pygmy Falcon is Africa's smallest raptor, with a compact body and short, rounded wings. Males have an ash-grey back, while females are strikingly distinguished by their rufous-chestnut back. Both sexes display prominent white underparts and a distinctive white supercilium above the eye.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderFalconiformesFamilyFalconidaeGenusPolihierax
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Sometimes, these brave little falcons will chase off much larger birds to protect their territory!
They can spot a grasshopper wiggling in the grass from a super high perch, thanks to amazing eagle eyes!
Unlike many falcons, they sometimes hunt on the ground, darting among bushes for prey!
Wow! Pygmy Falcons are so tiny, they often share their nests with actual weaver birds!
Special abilities
Ability
Ready-Made Roost
Pygmy Falcons can take over abandoned weaver bird nests, providing them with secure homes without needing to build their own.
Ability
Sharp Shooter Sight
Pygmy Falcons possess excellent eyesight, allowing them to spot tiny insects and lizards from a distance.
Ability
Agile Aerialist
Pygmy Falcons have incredible maneuverability in flight, enabling them to quickly catch fast-moving prey in the air.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 19-20 cm
- Wingspan
- 32-38 cm
- Weight
- 0.054-0.076 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-8 years
- Top Speed
- 60 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-4
- Incubation
- 28-32 days
Diet & Feeding
Pygmy Falcons mainly eat small insects and reptiles, snatching them from the ground or in flight.
Primary Foods
- Insects (grasshoppers, beetles)
- Lizards (skinks, geckos)
- Small birds
- Rodents
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
shelters
White-browed Sparrow-weaver
Plocepasser mahali
Pygmy Falcons often use abandoned nests of this weaver for their homes.
hunts
Striped Skink
Trachylepis striata
Pygmy Falcons frequently hunt this common skink in their arid habitats.
depends on
Umbrella Thorn Acacia
Acacia tortilis
Pygmy Falcons often perch in these trees to survey their hunting grounds.
hunts
Migratory Locust
Locusta migratoria
Pygmy Falcons effectively hunt these insects, especially when they swarm.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
Dwarf FalconLittle FalconMini Falcon
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always observe birds from a distance and do not disturb their nests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Pygmy Falcon?
19-20 cm
What is Pygmy Falcon's wingspan?
32-38 cm
How much does Pygmy Falcon weigh?
0.054-0.076 kg
How long does Pygmy Falcon live?
5-8 years
How fast can Pygmy Falcon move?
60 km/h
What does Pygmy Falcon eat?
Pygmy Falcons mainly eat small insects and reptiles, snatching them from the ground or in flight.
Where is Pygmy Falcon usually found?
They live in open grasslands and savanna regions, especially near trees where they can perch and look for food.
How does Pygmy Falcon hunt?
Pursuit
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