Black-thighed Falconet

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The sparrow-sized Black-thighed Falconet is one of the smallest raptor in this part of the world. It is identified by its very small size, black ear covert, and white underparts washed with rufous. Juvenile has white parts of the head strongly tinged with rufous. 

Black thighed Falconet
Black-thighed Falconet on a stag.

Because of its unobtrusive characteristics, it is usually overlooked by most people. Sometimes, especially from some distance away, it might be confused with a shrike, but the latter generally stays closer to the ground.

juvenile, falconet, raptor, dead tree, stag
Juvenile Black-thighed Falconet

This tiny raptor favours forest clearings and survives well near human settlements with lots of trees such as villages and agricultural land. It sits and waits on exposed perch such as a dead tree, and sometimes on telephone pole or wire. From this vantage point, it scans around for its favourite food including dragonflies or butterflies which it usually catches on the wings.



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