Peregrine Falcon vs African Pygmy-falcon
Falco peregrinus compared with Polihierax semitorquatus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Peregrine Falcon | African Pygmy-falcon |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Falco peregrinus | Polihierax semitorquatus |
| Order | Falconiformes | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae | Falconidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 43.0 cm (16.9 in) | — |
| Wingspan | 104.0 cm (40.9 in) | 23.1 cm (9.1 in) |
| Weight | 750.0 g (26.46 oz) | 60.7 g (2.14 oz) |
| Diet | Almost exclusively medium-sized birds caught in flight, including pigeons, doves, waterfowl, and songbirds. Hunts with … | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-4 | 2-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Peregrine Falcon only
African Pygmy-falcon only
None
Peregrine Falcon
Diverse habitats from tundra to tropics, typically near cliffs or tall structures. Increasingly found in cities nesting on skyscrapers and bridges.
Song & Call Comparison
Peregrine Falcon
A harsh, wailing 'kak-kak-kak-kak' repeated rapidly in defense of the nest. Alarm call is a long screaming 'raaak'. Mostly silent away from breeding sites.
African Pygmy-falcon
Geographic Range & Migration
Peregrine Falcon
One of the most widespread birds, found on every continent except Antarctica. Migratory populations travel vast distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
African Pygmy-falcon
Conservation Status
Peregrine Falcon
African Pygmy-falcon
How to Tell Them Apart
Peregrine Falcon
Blue-grey upperparts with barred white underparts. A distinctive black moustachial stripe contrasts with the white throat and cheeks.
Short, notched blue-grey bill with a yellow cere
African Pygmy-falcon
About These Birds
Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds over 389 km/h during its characteristic hunting stoop. Like the bald eagle, peregrines suffered dramatic declines from DDT but have recovered through intensive conservation programs. They have adapted remarkably well to urban environments.
African Pygmy-falcon
The African Pygmy-falcon is one of Africa's smallest raptors, with a wingspan of about 23 cm and a weight of around 61 g. It inhabits dry savannas and thornbush, often nesting in the large communal nests of weaver birds, and hunts lizards and large insects.