Pygmy Falcon - Polihierax semitorquatus
A stunning little miniature raptor standing no more than 8 inches tall. This is the male bird taken at some distance hunting from a perch at the top of a tree. These tiny falcons will take small insects, small mammals and small reptiles like geckos.
These birds will take over weaver nests after they have completed all of the hard work, including lining the chamber. In the case of Sociable Weavers the falcon will take up residence at the edge of colony and then pick off the birds themselves as they raise a brood - so housing and dinner laid on for free.
We watched this bird swoop down to take probably a beetle or other insect. A pocket sized packet of falcon and one I'd like to catch up with again.
On the same game drive we came across this large and very successful pride. Whats not to like about lion cubs !
They really are this regal in the wild.
This one the youngest - the big successful male in the background probably the father.
Absolutely helpless without the pride despite those big paws. I think there were at least 3 cubs, 5 lionesses and a big male. The most successful group in Ruaha taking up a large territory near to the river. Eden.
Pygmy Falcon, Poliheirax semitorquatus
Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
July 2013
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