Polihierax semitorquatus

(Smith, 1836)

Vernacular names
English : African pygmy-falcon
French : Fauconnet d’Afrique

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Falconiformes
Family : Falconidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Tiny falcon species reaching 21 cm in length for a weight of 72 g. White forehead, cheeks, breast and belly, grey crown nape and mantle (rufous mantle for female), black (white-spotted) wings and tail. Orange eye-ring and cere.

Range and habitat
This species occurs eastern Africa from North-east DR Congo and south Sudan to Central Tanzania and in Southern Africa, from South Angola to South Africa. Lives in arid and semi-arid steppe, savanna and scrubland with large trees.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has a large range and remains globally common. It could be vulnerable to poisoning from pesticides but so far, this isn’t a threat.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation

 

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