Red-footed Falcon
Falco vespertinus
Grasslands. Head and underparts (including underwing coverts) rufous; upperwings grey. Cere and legs red.
Falcons, Kestrels
VU
Not Endemic
Description
Uncommon summer visitor. Female distinctive with plain rufous underwing coverts and underparts (streaked in juvenile). Male very similar to male of Amur Falcon, differing mainly in dark (not white) underwing coverts. Immature more rufous than immature of Amur Falcon. Occurs in flocks and often mixes with [Amur Falcon]. Habitat and behaviour identical to [Amur Falcon] but distribution generally more westerly. 120-200g
Quick Facts
Size
29-30 cm - M
Names
A: Westelike Rooipootvalk
Z: uklebonyawobomvu
Ss: Phakwe Ya Leotofubedu
G: Rotfußfalke
Bird Family
Small raptors characterised by pointed wings and, usually, prominent ‘sideburns'. Females are larger than males. Falcons are aerial hunters, typically seizing smaller birds in a rapid dive from above. Characteristic calls are high-pitched ‘kek-kek-kek-kek' sounds, uttered when agitated. Kestrels are small falcons that eat insects caught in the air with their feet, or small mammals and reptiles caught on the ground. Their flight is more leisurely than that of true falcons.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
