Africa Wild

FALCONIDAE

Subfamily – Falconinae (Falcon, Kestrel, Hobby)

The falcons and caracaras are around 60 species of diurnal birds of prey that make up the family Falconidae. The family is divided into two subfamiles, Polyborinae, which includes the caracaras and forest falcons, and Falconinae, the falcons, kestrel and falconets. They differ from other Falconiformes in killing with their beaks instead of their feet. They have a "tooth" on the side of their beak for the purpose.
Wikipedia

The scientific family of raptors that includes all Falcons, caracaras, Kestrels, Hobbies and falconets. There are approximately 65 birds included in this family, though the exact total can vary depending on how some subspecies are categorized. These birds of prey have a worldwide distribution but are missing from the highest Arctic regions, Antarctica and the densest African jungles. Total species distribution is most diverse in South America and Africa, but no matter where these birds are located, they typically prefer open country habitats and forest edges, typically avoiding thick vegetation that could impede hunting flights.
There is a great size range among species in this bird family, but characteristics that most family members share include:
•Diurnal behavior habits with most activity during the day
•Genders generally similar, though some do show minor dimorphism in color, size or markings
•Carnivorous diet, preying primarily on rodents, snakes, mammals, insects or birds
•Superb, agile flight typically aided by long, pointed wings
Familiar birds in the Falconidae family include the merlin, African hobby, Aplomado falcon, peregrine falcon, crested caracara and American kestrel.
Falconidae : By Melissa Mayntz, About.com Guide

Falcon :
Pygmy Falcon - Polihierax semitorquatus semitorquatus


Lanner Falcon - Falco biarmicus biarmicus


Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus

Taita Falcon – Falco fasciinucha


Red-Necked Falcon - Falco chicquera


Eleonora's Falcon - Falco elenorae

Sooty Falcon - Falco concolor

Amur Falcon(Eastern Red-footed Falcon) - Falco amurensis


(Western) Red-footed Falcon - Falco vespertinus


Kestrel :

Grey Kestrel - Falco ardosiaceus

Dickinson's Kestrel - Falco dickinsoni


Lesser Kestrel - Falco naumanni


Rock Kestrel - Falco rupicolus


Greater Kestrel - Falco rupicoloides


Hobby :

Eurasian (European) Hobby- Falco subbuteo

African Hobby - Falco cuvierii


As per SASOL "Birds of Southern Africa" third Edition


to you... to continue
all pictures from Kgalagadi

Listen to the bird calls:

Amur Falcon

Lanner Falcon

Peregrine Falcon

Red-footed Falcon

Eurasian Hobby

Dickinson's Kestrel

Grey Kestrel

Lesser Kestrel

Lanner Falcon, even with my car

Thanks Flutterby

More sound of the Lanner Falcon

And this one just after the kill Lizbeth

We have seen 4 Lanner Falcon Kills in the KTP, a truly amzing sight, but still have to get a photo of the kill. Lanne Falcon photos from KTP.

We were at Montrose waterhole watching Miera (the leopard) when this guy came to sit in the tree right next to us



This one at Grootkolk scanning the area - made a kill later









At 14 Borehole

Lanner Falcon
Kgalagadi , February 2011


was surprised... like me, but stayed very close by me... for few pictures
what a privilege

Grootkolk, January 2012

ready for the hunt

Kgalagadi, March 2013

to admire the magnificent design of the back's feathers

odd manner to drink -O

and a little bit precious... in the water