8/16/2023 0 Comments Pygmy falcon lifespan![]() ![]() They are less active during winter they will spend up to 15 hours each day within their nest. While vocalizing they often bob their head and move the tail up and down. These include a range of high-pitched calls. These birds produce a range of vocalizations. Sexual maturity is reached at one year old.Īfrican pygmy falcons often perch in the the open before they will bob their head and then fly down to seize the prey item. The chicks may remain nearby for up to a year though. The adult pair often nest soon after these young leave the nest. Young first leave the nest after a month. The eyes of the juveniles open after two to three days. In to their nest they will deposit 2 to 4 white eggs roughly three weeks after mating which will hatch after a four week incubation period. They also assist their neighbors by catching and eating snakes which may seek to invade the nest. They may live alongside the sociable weavers in peace without attacking them.Īt the door to their nest will be often be droppings which turn pink over time. Up to six chambers within the nest may be used by the falcon pair. Records exist of two males caring for a single nest.įor nesting African pygmy falcons make use of abandoned nests of weaver birds. Pairs are extremely defensive of their nest and chase any animals which attempt to enter it. ![]() Most pairs of African pygmy falcons are monogamous and remain together for many breeding seasons. If a female accepts the males advances she will squat and raise her tail feathers to indicate she is ready to mate. Pairs will engage in displays where they bob the head, wag the tail and call. Their hooked beak helps to rip the flesh of their prey. Hunting often occurs in pairs or family groups. Occasionally they perform short chases in the air to catch food but these are rare. They feed on insects, reptiles such as snakes and lizards or small birds. African pygmy falcons are the smallest species of raptor found in Africa.Īfrican pygmy falcons are carnivores. They have an average weight of 42-85g (2-3oz). The African pygmy falcon measures 20cm (8in) long with a wingspan of up to 37cm (14in) across. Their legs and feet are pink or red-orange. They have a grayish bill with a dark tip. Juvenile birds also have brown skin across the back.Īround the dark brown eye is a bare, reddish patch of skin. On the under tail feathers are barred with black and white.įemales can be easily distinguished due to the chestnut plumage which is present along their back. ![]() Males have a grayish head, back and wings with a pale area across the face, underparts and rump. African pygmy falcons are considered sexually dimorphic. ![]()
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