Pied Falconet

The Pied Falconet is one of the northernmost members of its genus, found from southern China through parts of northern Southeast Asia. It occupies open forest, forest edges, and river margins, often perching in exposed spots on dead branches or wires.

Unlike most other falconets in the genus Microhierax, it lacks any rufous coloring at all, showing a purely black-and-white plumage that gives it its name.

Because of this clean pied pattern, its feathers are among the easiest in the genus to separate from relatives that show rufous forehead or flank patches.

Shape and size

• Flight feathers are tiny, though slightly larger than some other falconets, generally 8-10 cm.
• Tail feathers are short and mostly black with white markings.

Color and pattern

• Upperpart feathers are glossy black.
• Face, forehead, and underparts feathers are clean white with no rufous wash anywhere.
• Shafts are dark on black feathers, pale on white ones.

Similar species

• The complete absence of rufous coloring anywhere on the plumage separates it from the Collared, Black-thighed, Philippine, and White-fronted Falconets, all of which show at least some rufous.

Adults show glossy black upperparts and a clean white face and underparts with no rufous markings anywhere, sexes similar. Juveniles are duller with slightly less crisp black-and-white contrast, sharpening after the first molt.

Found in open forest, forest edge, and river margins from southern China (including Yunnan) through northern Vietnam, Laos, and adjacent parts of Southeast Asia. It is a non-migratory resident.

Hunts flying insects and small birds from exposed perches, often near open areas or rivers. Nests in tree cavities. Calls are thin, high-pitched notes typical of small falcons.

Field note: a tiny black-and-white feather with absolutely no rufous tint, found in southern China or northern Southeast Asia, is a strong match for this species over its rufous-marked relatives.