Falco chicquera
The Red-necked Falcon (*Falco chicquera*), a striking and agile raptor, stands out with its distinctive rufous-red nape and crown, contrasting sharply with a slate-grey back and finely barred white underparts. Averaging 30-36 cm in length with a wingspan of 60-70 cm and weighing 170-220 g, females are typically slightly larger than males, though sexual dimorphism is subtle. Key identification marks include a prominent dark moustachial stripe, a white throat, and dark wingtips that enhance its...
Primarily found in open woodlands, savannas, grasslands with scattered trees, and semi-desert areas, often near water sources and palms, from sea level up to approximately 2,000 meters elevation.
Primarily feeds on small birds, often caught in swift aerial pursuit, supplemented by large insects, small rodents, and occasionally lizards.
A diurnal raptor, the Red-necked Falcon is often observed perched conspicuously on prominent dead trees or power lines, especially during the morning and late afternoon. Its foraging strategy is characterized by swift, low-level aerial pursuits, often making rapid dives to snatch small birds dire...
The Red-necked Falcon has a disjunct distribution across two major continents, primarily resident in both. In Africa, the subspecies *Falco chicquera ruficollis* spans much of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Sudan and south to Angola, Zambia, and parts of South Africa, generally avoiding...
Least Concern
- Known for its incredible speed and agility, often compared to the hobby falcons. - It frequently hunts cooperatively, with one bird flushing prey and the other making the catch. - Often referred to as the "Red-headed Falcon" or "Chicquera Falcon" due to its distinctive head coloration. - Unlike...