On our recent visit to the Serengeti, we encountered the African Pygmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus). As we were walking off the comfort of our tent into the chilly dewy morning to the mess for an early breakfast, we had a pleasant surprise from this little fella perched on a young commiphora tree right off the sidewalk having his own breakfast.

Fun facts about the African Pygmy Falcon

– It is the smallest raptor in the continent with an adult measuring at 18-20 cm from head to tail, wingspan of 37 cm and weighing between 50-85 grams.

– Pygmy falcons are among the few obligate nest pirate species. Rather than constructing their own roost, they prefer to take over a few chambers of a spacious, communal weaver bird nest.

– Unlike most other raptors the African Pygmy Falcon exhibits sexual dimorphism; meaning males and females have different markings.
– Females are polyandrous – they breed with multiple males and is common for males to attend the same nest.