Microhierax melanoleucos (Blyth, 1843)

Species Introduction

The pied falconet, Microhierax melanoleucos, is a small black-and-white raptor.

Size and Weight

It measures 7 to 7.5 inches in length and weighs 55 to 75 grams, and is larger than other members of the genus Microhierax.

Facial Markings

Its face is white, with a prominent black patch covering the eyes that extends to the ear coverts.

Upperbody Coloration

All upper parts, including the crown, are completely black.

Flight Feather Characteristics

The primary flight feathers are black with white wing bars.

Tail Appearance

Its long tail is black on the upper side, and black with white bars when viewed from below.

Sexual Dimorphism and Juvenile Traits

This species has no sexual dimorphism, and juvenile individuals strongly resemble adult males.

Genus Size Status

All five species in the genus Microhierax are the smallest members of the order Falconiformes.

Genus Morphology Comparison

While they have a distinct morphology compared to other birds of prey, they are quite similar in form to one another within the genus.

Genus Distribution Pattern

All Microhierax species are allopatric, except M. fringillarius and M. latifrons.

Genus Ecological Roles

Morphological similarities across the genus mean they most likely fill very similar ecological roles in their respective habitats.

Species Distinguishing Features

M. melanoleucos can be distinguished from other members of the genus by its white thighs and the complete absence of chestnut coloration.

Similar Species Distinction

It is sometimes mistaken for the ashy woodswallow (Artamus fuscus), but the pied falconet has much blacker upper parts than the grey-ash plumage of the ashy woodswallow.

Geographic Range

The pied falconet’s range extends from north-eastern India through eastern China to Southeast Asia.

Habitat Preferences

It inhabits deciduous forest edges and clearings in wooded foothills, and favors clearings such as old cultivated lands with banks and streams.

Perching and Hunting Behavior

It typically perches on tree tops, and occasionally flies out to catch prey.

Migratory Status

It is a non-migratory resident species that stays in the same area for most of the year.

Breeding Season Timing

The breeding season of the pied falconet runs from March to May.

Early Breeding Courtship

Early in the breeding season, males signal mating interest to females by gathering and presenting leaves to them: the male flies off, collects a leaf, then returns to the perched female to offer it.

Pre-Copulation Display

Later in the breeding season, usually before copulation, males bob rapidly up and down in front of females while calling frantically.

Copulation Timing

Copulation occurs after this display.

Nest Site and Lining

These small raptors build their nests in old cavities originally excavated by barbets or woodpeckers, and line their nesting cavities with a bed of leaves or grass.

Alternate Nest Lining

There are also records of nesting cavities filled with insect remains instead of foliage.

Clutch Characteristics

Females lay three to four white eggs.

Congener Behavioral Similarities

Pied falconets share many courtship and mating behaviors with the collared falconet (Microhierax caerulescens).

Leaf Presenting Documentation

Leaf-presenting courtship behavior was first documented in the collared falconet.

Cooperative Breeding in Genus

The collared falconet is known to practice cooperative breeding, and this behavior is also suspected for the black-thighed falconet (Microhierax fringillarius) and other Microhierax species.

Cooperative Breeding Evidence

Pied falconets are often observed in groups of 5 or 6, which suggests they may also breed cooperatively.