A AMALL, shrike-like raptor, the pygmy falcon is easy to miss when you first visit the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and our other arid parks.
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They are fascinating little creatures, though, and it is well worth watching out for them. Here are some interesting facts about these fierce small fry:
* The pygmy falcon, southern Africa’s smallest raptor, only weighs about 60gm and is smaller than a dove.
* They are white below and grey above with speckled black and white wings.
* Most sociable weaver nests have at least one pair of pygmy falcons as tenants, but the little raptors seldom eat the weavers, preferring lizards.
* They are fearless and aggressive little raptors.
* The falcons have an unusual courting display, the female doing all the work while the males looks on aloofly.
* The female lays two to four eggs and and raises a family twice a season.
* The chicks share a nest with their parents for quite a long time after they can fly so they can stay warm together when it is cold.
* As brave as they are they cannot deter the Cape cobra.
(Source: ‘The Crowded Desert’ by Wilf Nussey)
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