Neohierax insignis
The White-rumped Falcon (*Neohierax insignis*) is a petite and strikingly marked raptor, native to the deciduous forests of Southeast Asia. Measuring 23-28 cm in length with a wingspan of approximately 40-48 cm and weighing 84-126 grams, it is one of the smallest falcons in its range. Its most distinguishing feature is the pristine white rump, which sharply contrasts with its dark slate-grey to blackish-brown upperparts, providing an unmistakable identification mark in flight. The underparts ...
Found primarily in dry open deciduous forests, woodlands, and areas of sparse forest with clearings, often near bamboo groves, from lowlands up to 1,500 meters.
Primarily consumes large insects like grasshoppers, cicadas, and beetles, supplemented with small lizards, and occasionally small birds or rodents, captured via perch-and-pounce or aerial pursuit.
This diurnal raptor typically perches conspicuously on exposed dead snags or prominent branches, scanning diligently for prey. Its foraging strategy involves sudden dives to the ground, aerial sallies to snatch insects in flight, and occasional hovering before striking. White-rumped Falcons are g...
The White-rumped Falcon is resident across a restricted range in mainland Southeast Asia, primarily inhabiting parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In Myanmar, it is found in the central and eastern regions, extending into northwestern and western Thailand. Its distribution co...
Near Threatened
- The White-rumped Falcon is one of the smallest falcon species in the world, often mistaken for a shrike due to its size and perching habits. - Unlike most falcons which nest on ledges or in cavities, this species uniquely reuses the stick nests of larger birds, such as crows or other raptors, s...