Pygmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus)
×
About Pygmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus)
- Kingdom: Animals
- Phylum: Chordates
- Class: Birds
- Order: Pelicans
- Family: Falcons and Caracaras
The African pygmy falcon —or simply pygmy falcon—is a diminutive raptor native to eastern and southern Africa. It is the sole species in its monotypic genus, Polihierax. The pygmy falcon is the smallest bird of prey on the African continent, and among the smallest raptors on earth; only the Asian falconets are smaller, weighing roughly 30-40 grams less and measuring about 5 cm shorter from head-to-tail.