Pygmy falcon

Description

The pygmy falcon,or African pygmy falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus),is a falcon that lives in eastern and southern Africa and is the smallest raptor on the continent.As a small falcon,only 19 to 20 cm long,it preys on insects,small reptiles,and small mammals.Adult pygmy falcons are white below and on the face,grey above,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.The flight is low and undulating.In size,pattern,and the habit of perching upright on an exposed branch or treetop,this species resembles some shrikes.The call is "a high-pitched kikiKIK,repeated" (Kenya) or "a 'chip-chip' and a 'kik-kik-kik-kik'" (southern Africa).