About the Pygmy Falcon
The African pygmy falcon —or simply pygmy falcon—is a diminutive raptor native to eastern and southern Africa. It is the sole species in its monotypic genus, Polihierax. The pygmy falcon is the smallest bird of prey on the African continent, and among the smallest raptors on earth; only the Asian falconets are smaller, weighing roughly 30-40 grams less and measuring about 5 cm shorter from head to tail.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Adult pygmy falcons are 20 cm (7.9 in) in length and 54 to 76 g (1.9–2.7 oz) in weight. These birds are white-bellied, extending up to the face, with males having grey on their backsides, and females having a chestnut back. There are white "eye spots" on the nape. Juveniles have a brown back, duller than adult females, with a rufous wash on the breast. The flight feathers of the wings are spotted black and white (more black above, more white below); the tail is barred black and white. Their flight style is low and undulating.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in January · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
GyrfalconFalco rusticolusThe gyrfalcon is the largest falcon in the world, being about the same size as the largest buteos but probably slightly heavier.
Black FalconFalco subnigerThe information in this section is based on recent descriptions by several authors (notably, Debus & Davies 2012, Debus & Olsen 2011, Morcombe 2002 and Birds in Backyards n.d.).
Red-necked FalconFalco chicqueraThe red-necked falcon is a medium-sized, long-winged species with a bright rufous crown and nape.
Learn the Pygmy Falcon for real
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