The small grey falcon is a species of falcon found in southern Africa. It is a small, slim bird of prey with distinctive grey and rufous plumage. Some key facts about this fascinating bird:
Scientific Name and Classification
The scientific name of the small grey falcon is Falco naumanni. It belongs to the genus Falco which includes many other falcons such as the peregrine falcon and the merlin. The small grey falcon is classified in the family Falconidae which contains all of the diurnal birds of prey known as falcons and caracaras.
Identification
The adult small grey falcon has predominantly grey upperparts with some rufous feathering on the back. Its underparts are white with fine grey barring. It has a rufous crown and cheeks. The falcon has long, pointed wings and a long tail which is grey above and barred black below. The eyes are dark brown. The cere, eye-ring and legs are all yellow.
The male and female are identical in plumage. Juveniles have buff edges to their feathers and less defined facial markings. In flight, the small grey falcon has rapid wingbeats and looks swift and agile. It is a slim, tiny falcon at just 18-20 cm in length with a wingspan of 38-44 cm.
Distribution and Habitat
The small grey falcon is found in southern Africa. Its range includes South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It occupies open grassland, semi-desert scrub and agricultural areas. This species avoids forested areas. The small grey falcon is migratory over the southern parts of its range. It is present in South Africa mainly during the summer months from September to April. The winter is spent further north in tropical southern Africa.
Diet and Hunting
Prey
The small grey falcon feeds mostly on small birds such as sparrows, weavers and larks. It will also take insects like grasshoppers, termites, beetles, and winged ants. On occasion, it has been known to hunt small rodents and bats. The falcon spies prey while hovering high in the air and then makes swift diving swoops to catch its prey on the ground or in flight.
Hunting Behavior
This agile falcon often hunts by hovering in place high above the ground against the wind. It scans the terrain below for prey while hovering motionless with rapid wing beats. When prey is spotted, the small grey falcon drops into a steep dive. It grabs prey in its talons and carries it away to be eaten while in flight. Sometimes, the falcon consumes prey on a lookout perch. This species often hunts in pairs; one falcon flushes prey while the other ambushes it.
Breeding
Nesting
The breeding season of the small grey falcon is from September to December in southern Africa. It nests on cliff ledges, crevices in human structures, and holes in trees. The nest is an unlined scrape in the rocky ledge or cavity. The female typically lays 3 or 4 eggs which are incubated mostly by the female for about a month while the male brings food. The chicks hatch after 30-32 days and fledge around 35-40 days after hatching.
Characteristics
– Clutch Size: 3 to 4 eggs
– Incubation Period: 30-32 days
– Fledging Period: 35-40 days
– Nest: Scrape on cliff ledge or tree cavity
– Nest Materials: None, unlined
– Eggs: Pale red, heavily marked with reddish-brown blotches
Parental Care
The female small grey falcon does most of the incubating while the male provides food. The male passes prey to the female who then tears it into small pieces to feed the young. Both parents fiercely defend the nest from potential predators. They also shelter and shade the chicks. The chicks are able to make short flights at around 35 days and become fully independent soon after fledging.
Status and Conservation
Population Estimate
The small grey falcon has an extremely large range in southern Africa. Its total population is estimated at anywhere from 1 million to 10 million individual birds. Population trends have not been quantified but the species is described as generally common.
Threats
There are no major threats to the widespread and abundant small grey falcon. However, some localized declines have occurred, primarily due to the use of pesticides and habitat loss. Collision with vehicles and human structures causes some mortality. The small grey falcon is also occasionally killed by farmers for predating on poultry.
Conservation Status
Due to its large population and range, the small grey falcon is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It has adapted well to human modified environments in many areas. Provided suitable open habitat exists, the future of this little falcon seems secure across southern Africa.
Fun Facts
Here are some interesting facts about the charismatic small grey falcon:
- It is the smallest falcons found in southern Africa.
- The grey falcon has a characteristic habit of hovering at heights of 30-100 m while hunting.
- This agile flyer is capable of rapidly changing direction during flight.
- It often hunts in pairs with one bird flushing the prey and the other ambushing it.
- The name Naumann’s comes from the German naturalist Johann Andreas Naumann who first described the species.
- The oldest known small grey falcon lived to over 12 years old in the wild.
Measurement | Size |
---|---|
Length | 18-20 cm |
Wingspan | 38-44 cm |
Weight | 110-170 g |
Conclusion
In summary, the small grey falcon is a fascinating small falcon endemic to southern Africa. It inhabits open habitats and feeds on small birds and insects. The breeding season lasts from September to December. This species has adapted well to man-made environments. Despite some localized declines, the small grey falcon has an extremely large range and population size. It faces no major threats at present and is listed as Least Concern. This successful little raptor remains widespread and common across the region.