Propagation of captive Red-necked Falcons Faico chicquera

Abstract

The Red-necked Falcon Faico chicquera is a threat- ened species in southern Africa. Seven individuals were established at a breeding unit near Pretoria during 1980 to study breeding behaviour and experiment with captive propagation techniques. The falcons were acquired from the wild as adults. Two pairs were established and one pair bred during 1981. During 1982 both pairs produced young. Both pairs bred again during 1983, but a yearling pair (hatched in captivity during 1982) made no attempt at breeding. Unlike other Faico species in captivity, the female adopts the dominant role and feeds the male during pair-bond feeding. Detailed observations on copulation, eggs, incubation and nestlings are presented including a new behavioural pattern termed oe-crossing. The male participated in incubation previously unrecorded. The moult of adults and juve- niles is discussed. The vocalisations of Red-necked Falcons in captivity include at least three different calls.