Collared Falconet

The Collared Falconet, Microhierax caerulescens, is a diminutive bird of prey, with a striking pied plumage that is predominantly black and orange. This species exhibits a shrike-like silhouette, characterized by bold white supercilia and a distinctive white collar. The bill is relatively heavy and bears a double tooth, indicative of its predatory nature. With shortish wings and a medium-length tail, the Collared Falconet has strong legs that are half-feathered and powerful feet, adapted for seizing its quarry. When observed perched, it often adopts a conspicuous position atop trees or bushes, frequently on a dead twig, and is known for its head bobbing and tail movements. Both sexes share a similar appearance.

Identification Tips

To identify the Collared Falconet, look for its rapid wingbeats interspersed with long glides in flight. When perched, its resemblance to a shrike is notable, and it can be seen bobbing its head and moving its tail up and down. The wing-tips reach less than halfway down the tail. The white collar and supercilia are key features to distinguish it from other birds of prey.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Collared Falconet is temperate forest, often found on the edges of broadleaf forests. It is also known to inhabit open deciduous forests, clearings, and edges in evergreen forests, as well as abandoned hill cultivations with some trees, frequently near water sources.

Distribution

This species is found across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, with its range extending through Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. It is commonly seen in the Himalayan foothills and other mainland regions of southeast Asia.

Behaviour

The Collared Falconet is known for its conspicuous perching behavior, often seen on the top or edge of a tree or bush. It exhibits a distinctive pattern of head bobbing and slow tail movement, which can be quite characteristic of the species.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Collared Falconet as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population that would warrant a higher level of concern.