The young will leave their nests from 27 to 40 days after hatching. Since the young do not hatch at the same time, they may be different sizes. Females begin incubating with the first egg laid, so hatching is asynchronous. The female lays from two to four eggs which are incubated for 27 to 31 days.

Eggs are normally laid about three weeks after copulation. Polihierax semitorquatus usually will breed once per year, but will sometimes produce two broods in a favorable year. Mating System: monogamous polyandrous cooperative breeder This behavior may be influenced by limited availability of suitable nesting sites. Polihierax semitorquatus is usually seasonally monogamous, but is occasionally polyandrous, and it is not uncommon for two or more males to attend the same nest. The female will squat down and raise her tail feathers to indicate that she is prepared to mate. More is known of Polihierax semitorquatus breeding habits in the southern portion of their range, but birds in both areas engage in a relatively quiet display that includes bobbing of the head, wagging of the tail, and calling. Thus, this falcon is one of a few species of birds that are 'obligate nest pirates' (also see South American troupials, Icterus icterus). Approximately one-quarter of all weaver nests in these areas are occupied by African pygmy falcons. Occasionally northeastern birds will occupy the nests of white-browed sparrow weavers ( Plocepasser mahali) and glossy starlings ( Lamprotornis nitens). white-browed sparrow weavers (Plocepasser mahali)Īfrican pygmy falcons rely on the social weavers ( Philetairus socius) in the northeast part of their range and white-headed buffalo weavers ( Dinemellia dinemelli) in the southwestern part of their range for nesting.glossy starlings ( Lamprotornis nitens).white-browed sparrow weavers ( Plocepasser mahali).white-headed buffalo weavers ( Dinemellia dinemelli).African pygymy falcons are major predators of insects and lizards and are a danger to smaller birds and rodents. African pygymy falcons can be considered parasitic to white-headed buffalo weavers and considered a 'nest pirate'. White-headed buffalo weavers, in the northeastern part of their range, are more powerful than African pygymy falcons and receive no benefits from their presence. In the southwestern portion of their range, African pygymy falcons may protect social weavers from predators such as snakes, while gaining a safe area to raise young.

Polihierax semitorquatus, due to its use of weaver nests ( Ploceidae), can be considered parasitic or symbiotic, depending on the location. Perception Channels: visual tactile acoustic chemical The calls are usually high in pitch and soft.Ĭommunication Channels: visual acoustic There have been a few different songs observed, including a 'thin, squeaky 'tsip-tsip' 'kiki- kik' (last syllable accented), or 'twee-twee-twip' used by calling from the nest a sharp ringing 'ki-ki-ki-ki-ki-ki-ki-ki' by young in threat in copulation, purring 'kirrrrr-kirrrrr-kirrrrr' negging chicks 'seee-seee-seee'' (Brown, et al., 1982). African pygmy falcons have a very keen sense of sight, common to most diurnal birds of prey.Īfrican pygmy falcons rarely call outside of the mating season. The movements made by the male during courtship can also be perceived as a form of communication. Some bodily communication is seen during the courtship ritual, as the female indicates her availability by crouching and raising her tail feathers. The main communication between members of this species are the songs sung during mating, which are used to attract potential mates.

African pygmy falcon mental floss