Philippine Falconet
Microhierax erythrogenys
The Philippine Falconet (Microhierax erythrogenys) is a rare falcons and caracara found only in the Philippines, weighing about 50 g. The Philippine falconet is a species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae, genus Microhierax.
About the Philippine Falconet
The Philippine falconet is a species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae, genus Microhierax. It is endemic to the lowland forests of Philippines, and can often be seen near open forest edges hunting flying insects. Philippine falconets nest in woodpecker holes of dead trees, and can be seen fairly commonly within their suitable habitats. Although the Philippine falconet population is declining due to habitat loss, it is still evaluated as "Least Concern" globally.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The Philippine falconet has a length of 15 – 18 cm, a wingspan of 32 – 37 cm, and a body mass of 37 – 52 g. Compared to other members in the Falconidae family, it is extremely small. Philippine falconet has a plumage coloration of black and white. It has uniformly black upperparts from head to tail, and white underparts from cheek to lower neck, with a washed buff belly. The underwing converts are black, and the flight feathers are inconspicuously barred white. Female has all-black underwings (unlike male, which has white spots on inner webs to the remiges) and is also up to 20% larger. Voice: The Philippine falconet gives a rapid, high-pitched "kek-kek-kek-kek" and a continuous, squeaky "pew-pew-pew-pew" with about two notes per second.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, October, November, December, with peak activity in February. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Philippine Falconet?
- The Philippine falconet has a length of 15 – 18 cm, a wingspan of 32 – 37 cm, and a body mass of 37 – 52 g. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Philippine Falconet?
- The Philippine Falconet is a small sized bird weighing about 50 g.
- Where can you see a Philippine Falconet?
- The Philippine Falconet is endemic to the Philippines, which is the only country where it occurs.
- What birds look similar to a Philippine Falconet?
- The Philippine Falconet is most easily confused with the Pied Falconet, the White-fronted Falconet and the Collared Falconet.
- Is the Philippine Falconet endangered?
- The Philippine Falconet is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Philippine Falconet for real
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