Dave Taylor's African Safari: Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores - Pygmy Falcon

Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores
Pygmy Falcon
Page 34

Polihierax semitorquatus

Length: 20 cm (8")

Status: Common

Habitat: Pygmy falcons are found in arid thornbush areas, dry acacia savannas and plains with scattered trees.

Food: Pygmy falcons eat lizards, small birds and rodents. This falcon waits patiently on top of a tree until it spots its prey moving. It then swoops down to make the kill.

Social System/Behavior: Pygmy falcons often use the nest of a white-headed buffalo weaver or other weaver bird. They do not molest the weavers in the colony except to evict the residents of the nest they choose.

Both parents incubate the eggs although the female spends a greater amount of time on the nest than the male does. He provides her with food and later, provides food for the chicks too.

The pair raise two to three young each nesting. Chicks fledge two months after hatching.

Pairs are territorial and remain together even when not breeding.

Predators: Large raptors are the most frequent predators of these tiny falcons. Servals, caracals and snakes are also threats.

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