Courtship of Red-necked Falcons, Tal Chhapar

The Red-necked Falcon (Falco chicquera) is a widespread resident in India and adjacent regions, as well as sub-Saharan Africa. This photo is from the Tal Chhapar Blackbuck Sanctuary in Churu district, Rajasthan

What’s interesting about this bird is that once it starts the mating process, that is it finds a companion, builds a nest and lays eggs in them, the female minimizes and, sometimes, completely stops hunting for food. The male falcon takes the responsibility of providing the female with nourishment, which are mostly smaller birds.

As you can see in the picture, a male brings a dove for the female, who starts de-feathering it. It is ironic that though the male has done all the work, the female doesn’t let him come close to the prey. We then get to witness an amusing drama of persistent begging from the male to get a share in the kill. What is even more amusing is when the female starts feeding the male herself.

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This was also published on Conservation India.

Check it here -

http://www.conservationindia.org/gallery/courtship-of-red-necked-falcons-tal-chhapar