White-fronted Falconet

Microhierax latifrons

Near ThreatenedRareEndemicInvertebratesForestCavity nestSmall · 41 g

About the White-fronted Falconet

The white-fronted falconet, also called the Bornean falconet, is a species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae. Described by the British ornithologist Richard Bowdler Sharpe in 1879, it is endemic to Borneo, where it is found in Sarawak, Sabah, and extreme northeastern Kalimantan. An extremely small falcon, it is only 14–17 cm (5.5–6.7 in) long and weighs 35–65 g (1.2–2.3 oz), being the smallest species of falconet. It has glossy bluish-black upperparts, black flanks and outer thighs, and a black mask. The belly and vent are pale yellowish-brown, while the throat, cheeks, and breast are white. The species can be told apart from other falconets by the colour of its crown and forehead,…

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The white-fronted falconet is an extremely small shrike-like species of falcon, with a length of 14–17 cm (5.5–6.7 in), a mass of 35–65 g (1.2–2.3 oz), and a wingspan of 28–31 cm (11–12 in). It is similar to other falconets, but is the smallest by a small amount. Both sexes have glossy bluish-black upperparts, black flanks and outer thighs, and a black mask. The throat, cheeks, and breast are white, changing to pale yellowish-brown on the belly and vent. The tail is short and black, with the wings reaching halfway to its tip.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in July · a variable species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the White-fronted Falconet for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

Play BeakBrain

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.