BLACK-THIGHED FALCONET

Black-thighed Falconet

Helang Rajawali – Microhierax fringillarius

Description:

16 cm. Unmistakable. This little bird of prey is only the size of a starling.

Scientific Name: Microhierax fringillarius

Family: Falconidae

Description and status:

Narrower white supercilium which extends only behind eye and does not join with smaller white forehead patch. Black flanks and outside to thighs.

Voice: -

Range: SE Asia, S Thailand, Malaysia.

Status: Fairy common resident.

Habitat: Forest clearings, secondary growth.

Habits:

Regular at Fraser’s Hill but somewhat scarce. Look for it both along The Gap road and around the hill tation, especially the Telekom Loop. Flies out from an open perch to grab insects or small birds in the air; frequently, a pair is seen together.