23 May 2025
According to Wikipedia, falconets (Microhierax) are the smallest members of the Falcon order, averaging about 15 cm (5.9 in) in length and 35 g (1.2 oz) in weight. I had no idea how cute they are until I saw this photo of collared falconets (Microhierax caerulescens) on X.
?Pair of Collared Falconets (Microhierax caerulescens) in Doi Inthanon NP, northern Thailand by Sheau Torng Lim. With a size of 15-18 cm, these falconets are one of the smallest raptors in Asia. pic.twitter.com/lg6n0NmBlf
— Beauty of music and nature ?? (@Axaxia88) February 17, 2025
Non-migratory and native to Nepal and Southeast Asia, these tiny raptors are 14–18 cm long (5.5-7.1 inches) with a wingspan of 28–34 cm (11-13 inches), and weight 30–50 g (1 to 1.7 oz).
This is significantly smaller than a northern cardinal [[ 21–23.5 cm long (8.3–9.3 in), wingspan 25–31 cm (9.8–12.2 in), weight 33.6–65 g (1.19–2.29 oz) ]]
Collared falconets perch alone or in groups as shown in this restful video.
Birds of the World describes their lifestyle, paraphrased below:
Feeds mainly on large insects, especially butterflies, but also moths, dragonflies, orthopterans and beetles, as well as birds up to size of pipits, small lizards and mammals.
Hunts from exposed perch in dead tree or large open tree above forest canopy, at forest edge, or along a stream or river. Occasionally hunts in small groups of up to seven individuals (exceptionally up to 18 at pre-roost site).
Prey (especially insects) usually taken in the air and taken back to the same perch for consumption.
— paraphrased from Birds of the World: Collared Falconet
Cute like a shrike. 😉