A small but fierce bird of prey, often surprising people with its capabilities given its diminutive size. Native to the forests of Southeast Asia, including parts of China, India, and Myanmar, this bird is one of the smallest raptors in the world, measuring just about 15 – 19 cm (6 – 7 in) long. Despite its size, it has a bold and powerful demeanor, making it a fascinating subject of study for bird enthusiasts.

Distinctly marked, the Pied Falconet has a striking black and white plumage. Its body is predominantly black, with a white throat, chest, and spots on the underparts. The contrast in colors not only makes it visually appealing but also provides a certain camouflage while it hunts in the dappled light of its forest habitat. It has sharp, curved talons and a strong beak typical of birds of prey, which it uses skillfully to catch its food.

The Pied Falconet’s diet mainly includes insects, small birds, and occasionally small mammals and reptiles. What’s particularly interesting is its hunting strategy. Despite its small size, the Pied Falconet is known to hunt in pairs or small family groups, coordinating their attacks with remarkable precision. They often perch in high, concealed spots to scan for prey and then dive with astonishing speed to capture it.

An interesting behavior observed in Pied Falconets is their communal nature when it comes to hunting and living. They are often seen in small groups, and unlike many solitary raptors, these groups appear to help in cooperative hunting and territorial defense. This social behavior is somewhat rare among birds of prey and adds an intriguing aspect to their study.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Bangladesh

2016

Breeding

Bhutan

2016

Possibly Extinct

China

2016

Breeding

Hong Kong

2016

Breeding

India

2016

Breeding

Laos

2016

Breeding

Myanmar

2016

Seasonality Uncertain

Vietnam

2016

Breeding