Pygmy Falcon

Polihierax semitorquatus (Smith, A, 1836)

Pygmy Falcon, Polihierax semitorquatus, breeds in eastern and southern Africa and lives in dry bush. It is a falcon in the family Falconidae, first described by Smith in 1836. This bird is the only member of its genus and is the smallest bird of prey in Africa, with only the Asian falconets being smaller. Adults are 20 cm long and weigh 54 to 76 g. The species has white underparts reaching the face, white marks on the nape, and black-and-white barred wings and tail. Males, females and young differ in back colour.

Order

Falconiformes

Family

Falconidae — Caracaras, Falcons

Breeding range

Africa: e, s