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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
When to see it
Peak activity in July · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Pied FalconetMicrohierax melanoleucosThe pied falconet is a small black and white raptor, measuring between 7 and 7 ½ inches and weighing between 55 and 75 g.
Philippine FalconetMicrohierax erythrogenysThe Philippine falconet has a length of 15 – 18 cm, a wingspan of 32 – 37 cm, and a body mass of 37 – 52 g.
Collared FalconetMicrohierax caerulescensThe collared falconet is a very small falcon, shrike-like in shape, mainly pied and having bold white supercilia and collar, with relatively heavy double-toothed bill.
Learn the White-fronted Falconet for real
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