Taita Falcon

The Taita falcon (Falco fasciinucha) is a small raptor with a banded nape. It was first identified in Kenya and is similar to the Peregrine falcon but smaller in size. The two birds often compete for choice nest sites, which are usually on cliff faces.
It prefers well-wooded areas, mountains or river valleys.
The taita usually eats small birds and insects, catching them in flight.
The taita was found initially in South Africa in around 1990, but its existence was kept secret to protect the birds.
Very little is known about the bird, partly due to the inaccessibility of their nest sites.
A pair of the birds is nesting very close to the Strijdom tunnel in the Abel Erasmus pass.
A rock marked "place of the bird" will lead bird watchers to someone who can point out the nest.

Learn more about African birds. An information guide on birds in Kruger National Park. This Birds of Africa guide offers bird watching enthu...more

Kruger National Park - South African Safari