EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Each week a different image of our fascinating environment is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional ecologist.

25 February - 3 March 2019

Click on images for larger versions

Tiny Dancer

Pygmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus), Family Falconidae
Lake Baringo, Kenya

Credit & Copyright: Dr. Bruce G. Marcot

Explanation: This is the tiniest dancer -- uh, raptor -- in Africa. Here is a Pygmy Falcon, roosting on the lookout for prey, here on the shores of Lake Baringo in the Rift Valley of southern Kenya, east Africa.

This is a male, noted because the back is gray, unlike the female's brown back.

Prey includes lizards, big insects, small rodents, birds, and other unwary small snacks.

Pygmy Falcons often inhabit nests of weaver birds.   The falcon is listed by IUCN as Least Concern, as its population seems stable.

Next week's picture: One Hump or Two?

< Previous ... | Archive | Index | Location | Search | About EPOW | ... Next >

Google Earth locations
shows all EPOW locations;
must have Google Earth installed

Author & Webmaster: Dr. Bruce G. Marcot, Tom Bruce
Disclaimers and Legal Statements
Original material on Ecology Picture of the Week © Bruce G. Marcot