Pied Falconet
A species of Typical falconets Scientific name : Microhierax melanoleucos Genus : Typical falconets
Pied Falconet, A species of Typical falconets
Botanical name: Microhierax melanoleucos
Genus: Typical falconets
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Arnab Pal 
Description
The pied falconet is a small black and white raptor, measuring between 7-7 ½ inches and weighing between 55 and 75 g. However it is still larger than the other members of the genus Microhierax. Its face is white with a prominent black patch covering the eyes reaching to the ear coverts with a yellowish beak. The upper parts, including the crown, are completely black. The primaries are black with white wing bars. Its long tail has black upper parts and is black with white bars from below. The Pied falconet display no sexual dimorphism and the juveniles strongly resemble adult males. The five specie's belonging to the genus Microheriax are the smallest members of the order Falconiformes. While they have a very distinct morphology compared to other birds of prey, within the genus Microhierax, they are quite similar. These are allopatric species, except for M. fringillarius and M. latifrons, and mostly likely play very similar ecological roles in each of the habitats as a result of the morphological similarities within the genus. M. melanoleucos is distinguishable from these other members by its white thighs and the lack of chestnut coloration. They are sometimes mistaken for Ashy Woodswallow (Artamus fuscus), however the Pied falconet has blacker upper parts compared to the grey-ash color seen on the Ashy Woodswallow. 
Size
19 cm
Nest Placement
Cavity
Feeding Habits
Pied Falconet primarily consume insects, supplemented by small mammals, reptiles, and similarly-sized birds. They hunt by aerial pursuit or foliage plucking, utilizing speed and power to capture prey up to their own size.
Habitat
The habitat of pied Falconet primarily includes forest edges and open areas adjacent to rivers and streams within moist deciduous and evergreen forests. These birds are also observed within tea plantations, indicating an adaptability to cultivated landscapes in broader geographical forested regions.
Dite type
Carnivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Distribution Area
The pied falconet ranges from north-eastern India to east China and south-east Asia. They are found in deciduous forest edges and clearings in wooded foothills. This species likes clearing such as old cultivation lands with banks and stream. They are usually perched on tree tops while occasionally flying off to catch prey. These are not migratory birds, they are a resident species, staying in the same area for most of the year.
Photo By Arnab Pal 
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Diurnal Birds of Prey Family
Falcons and caracaras Genus
Typical falconets Species
Pied Falconet 
Download Picture Bird
Identify any bird by photo or sound in seconds
Identify any bird by photo or sound in seconds
