Pygmy Falcon

Appearance

The body weight of an adult specimen is 55 to 65 grams, with females being slightly larger, but the differences are usually minimal. The eyes of the pygmy falcons are very striking, being large and dark in color. These enable the bird to have excellent vision, allowing it to easily and safely spot even the smallest prey. The plumage of the falcons is grayish, with the upper side being darker than the underside, which is almost white. Furthermore, the wings have dark patterns created by spots. Finally, the beak is an important feature; it is dark and curved downward, with a sharp tip.

Diet

The pygmy falcon usually lives with other members of its species, for example as a pair or in smaller family groups. Rarely do the birds live as loners, and even then only until they have found a suitable mate. For the habitat of these birds, it is important that they have trees or elevated positions nearby from which they can keep an eye on their surroundings. This is particularly important for hunting, which is carried out from a perch.

Habitat

The pygmy falcon is primarily found in southern Africa, notable countries being Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia and Kenya. The birds are loyal to their territory and only leave it when the weather becomes too cold or prey becomes scarce. In such cases, the falcons move further south, where they prefer to live in dry tree and shrub steppes.