The African Pygmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus) is the smallest raptor in Africa. It lives in eastern and southern Africa. Hierax means that it is hawk-like.

It is only 20 centimetres (8 inches) tall. It is a grey and white bird of prey, with a red eye ring and pink legs. It has short, rounded wings.

African Pygmy Falcon

The African Pygmy Falcon likes dry lands with lots of thorn bushes and plains with few trees.

It eats lizards, insects, small birds, and rodents, such as rats.

It usually takes over the nest of weaver birds instead of building its own nest. Females lay 2-3 eggs and raise their chicks together with the male.

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM