Pygmy Falcon

The Pygmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus) is a falcon and a member of the Falconidae family. It is the smallest raptor of the African continent and the smallest raptor of the world.

The species is monotypic, although northern birds are perhaps marginally larger and darker than southern birds, otherwise monotypic. Fuchs et al. (2015) found that the two species of Polihierax are not closely related, with the Pygmy Falcon closer to Microhierax and the White-rumped Falcon nearer Falco.

Similar species
White-rumped Falcon

Behaviour
It sometimes shows similar behaviours to shrikes.

Diet
It eats mainly small reptiles and insects, but also small rodents and birds.

Distribution/habitat
African savannas.