Meet Africa’s smallest raptor. It may be diminutive in size, but it possesses a fierce hunting prowess and remarkable adaptability that belies its tiny stature. With adults measuring just about the length of a sharpened pencil, the African pygmy falcon is a testament to nature’s ability to produce creatures perfectly suited to their environment.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the pygmy falcon’s behavior is its nesting habits. Rather than constructing their own nests, these resourceful birds take over chambers within the massive communal nests built by weaver birds. This symbiotic relationship benefits both species, as the pygmy falcon helps to reduce the population of snakes and other predators in the vicinity, while the weaver birds benefit from the protection provided by the falcon’s presence.

Endemic to Northeastern and Southwestern Africa, pygmy falcons are sedentary creatures, rarely venturing far from their chosen habitat. Unlike some migratory birds that traverse vast distances with the changing seasons, pygmy Falcons prefer to remain in one place, where they have adapted to the local conditions over generations. This sedentary lifestyle allows them to establish strong bonds with their territory and maximize their hunting efficiency.

Despite their small size, pygmy falcons are formidable hunters, employing a variety of hunting techniques to capture their prey. They are particularly adept at hunting in the early morning and evening when temperatures are cooler, preferring to avoid the heat of the day. Their diet primarily consists of small birds, insects, and other small prey items that they capture with lightning-fast precision.

In addition to their hunting prowess, pygmy falcons are also valiant nest guards, fiercely defending their chosen nesting site from potential threats. Their presence within the weaver bird nests helps to deter predators and ensure the safety of their eggs and young chicks.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Angola

2016

Botswana

2016

DR Congo (Kinshasa)

2016

Ethiopia

2016

Kenya

2016

Namibia

2016

Rwanda

2016

Non-Breeding

Somalia

2016

South Africa

2016

South Sudan

2016

Sudan

2016

Tanzania

2016

Uganda

2016