Description
The Red-footed falcon is a species of falcon characterized by pronounced sexual dimorphism. The male is uniformly dark-gray with a reddish belly and undertail. The female has a rusty-orange lower body, dark-gray wings with a striped pattern, and a small eye mask with short “whiskers”. The species prefers to stay in open landscapes, such as steppes, marshes, and large, extensive agricultural areas. They nest in colonies, preferably in abandoned crow nests, especially carrion crows. They feed mainly on large insects, which they often eat in flight.
Prevalence
The breeding range of the Red-footed falcon extends from Eastern Europe to central Russia and the countries between the Caspian and Black Seas. The wintering grounds are in southern Africa. The species does not breed in Slovenia, but it regularly appears on migration, especially in larger numbers during spring migration.
Threat
Red-footed falcon are threatened by loss of habitat and suitable nesting sites. Properly insulated high-voltage power lines also pose a great danger to them during migration, as boobies like to perch on them.
Interesting fact
Red-footed falcon are very social. They often gather in groups during migration. So, at the right time, we can also see groups of several hundred red-footed boobies here.
