Taita Falcon (Falco fasciinucha)

A small falcon, approximately the same size as a Laughing Dove, with a short tail, typically pointed wings, dark grey back, pale throat and rufous chest. It also has distinctive rufous patches on the nape. The Taita Falcon is an extremely rare species with sparse distribution down the eastern escarpment of Africa from the Taita Hills in Kenya to northern South Africa. Seven known pairs can be found along the northern Drakensberg escarpment with the pair at the Strydom Tunnel being the most accessible. The Taita Falcon feeds solely on smaller birds and is incredibly fast, being able to catch swallows, swifts and particularly Rock Martins in flight. The bird nests before the summer rains, August to October, in clefts on rock faces of suitable gorges and is easily overlooked due to its size and tendency to perch, almost motionless, on a ledge for long periods of time. A very specialised bird with specific habitat requirements. The Taita Falcon is threatened by human disturbance, competition by other species for nest sites and decimation of prey.

Directions

From Lydenburg travel on the R36 through Ohrigstad and onto the Abel Erasmus Pass (R 531). A roadside sign board will alert you 1.5km before the Taita Falcon site. If you pass through the Strydom Tunnel, you have travelled too far.

From Hoedspruit travel on the R531 towards Lydenburg. Drive up the pass and through the Strydom Tunnel. Once out the tunnel, look for the waterfall on your right hand side, follow the road as it bends to the right. As the road straightens, be ready to stop at the next lay-by on your left hand side.

Contact birding site guide Michael Kumako on 0792611559 for assistance. Michael is equipped with a Bushnell spotting scope for your convenience. Michael's Bushnell spotting scope has kindly been sponsored by Inkwazi Bird Club.

GPS Coordinates