The collared falconet (Microhierax caerulescens) belongs to the family Falconidae. The collared falconet species is distributed in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan in Indian Subcontinent, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Taxonomy of Collared falconet
- Scientific Name: Microhierax caerulescens
- Common Name: Collared falconet
- French: Fauconnet à collier; German: Rotkehlfälkchen; Spanish: Falconete acollarado;
- Other names: Falco caerulescens Linnaeus, 1758;
- Family: Falconidae › Falconiformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
- Species author: (Linnaeus, 1758)
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| Indian birds - Image of Collared falconet - Microhierax caerulescens |
Description
The collared falconet is a small falconet, measuring 15 to 20 cm in length and weighing 30 to 50 grams. Both males and females look alike. The wingspan is 30 to 35 cm. It is a small falcon, very shrike-like in shape, mainly pied and having bold white supercilia and collar. The double-toothed bill is relatively heavy. The wings are short and the tail is of medium-length. The legs are strong and half-feathered with powerful feet.Habitat
The collared falconet birds inhabit open deciduous forest, clearings and edges in evergreen forest.Feeding habits
The collared falconet birds feed on large insects like grasshoppers, butterflies and large beetles.Breeding
These falconet birds breeding during February to May.Distribution
These falconet subspecies M. c. caerulescens is distributed in Nepal and in the states of Uttarakhand, West Bengal Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim and Assam in India. The subspecies M. c. burmanicus is distributed in Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.Movement Patterns
These falconet are considered sedentary and move about in the region of their occurrence.Status and conservation
The collared falconet species have an extremely large range and are considered least vulnerable. The population appears to be stable. Habitat degradation and felling of trees are threats in their conservation.The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated these falconet birds and has listed them as of "Least Concern".
| Biological classification of Microhierax caerulescens | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Falconiformes |
| Family: | Falconidae |
| Subfamily: | - |
| Genus: | Microhierax |
| Species: | M. caerulescens |
| Binomial name: | Microhierax caerulescens |
| Distribution: | India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan in Indian Subcontinent, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam; |
| Feeding habits: | large insects; |
| IUCN status listing: |  Least Concern |
Image source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Collared_Falconet_(Microhierax_caerulescens).jpg
Image Author: Mayukhghose | Image License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Current topic in Birds of India: Collared falconet - Microhierax caerulescens.
