Falco chicquera Daudin, 1800

Species Description

The red-necked falcon (Falco chicquera Daudin, 1800) is a medium-sized, long-winged falcon species that has a bright rufous crown and nape. On average, it measures 30–36 cm (12–14 in) in length, with a wingspan of 85 cm (33 in).

Plumage Features

Its wings and upper parts are bluish grey; the tail has narrow bars, a broad subterminal black band, and is tipped with white. When the bird is at rest, its wingtip does not reach the tip of the tail.

Wing Structure

The second and third primaries are the longest and almost equal in length, while the first primary is one-fourth their length. The first two primaries have notches.

Soft Part Traits

Its legs, ceres, and eyering are yellow. The tip of its bill is black, while the basal portion is greenish yellow.

Vocalization

This species' call is a shrill ki-ki-ki-ki.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males and females have similar plumage, but differ in size: as is typical for falcons, males are smaller than females.

Juvenile Traits

Juvenile red-necked falcons are buff on the underparts, have less extensive barring, and duller upper plumage.

For habitat and distribution

African Habitat

In Africa, the red-necked falcon occurs in semi-desert, savannah, and other dry open country with some trees, and also in riverine forest. It often perches in, and uses the crowns of Borassus palms (Borassus aethiopum) for breeding.

Movement Patterns

Most individuals are resident, but may make nomadic movements in response to weather conditions.

Indian Habitat

In India, the species lives in open habitats, and does not occur in dense forests or high hills.

Western Range History

The nominate subspecies is thought to formerly ranged west as far as Iran, though no records of it there exist after 1970; breeding was recorded there in 1911 by Nikolai Zarudny.

Sri Lanka Records

It is a winter vagrant in northern Sri Lanka, where it was first recorded by E.L. Layard.