From Opus

This article is incomplete. This article is missing one or more sections. You can help the BirdForum Opus by expanding it.

Photo by Mark Harper
Xiaoqi, Jiangxi, China, May 2012

Microhierax melanoleucos

Identification

• Glossy black
• Thin white line across the base of the cere, over the eyes and down to the breast
• White spots on inner wing
• Brown eyes, cere
• Feet brownish/black

Distribution

Asia: found in the forests of north-eastern India to southern China and northern Indochina

Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species^[1].

Habitat

Forests.

Behaviour

These birds are often seen in pairs or groups of up to 5.

Diet

Diet includes insects, small mammals, reptiles and small birds.

Breeding

Nests are made in holes of dead trees and can be used for more than a year. The clutch consists of 3-4 white eggs which are laid in March. The young fledge in mid May.

References

1. Clements, JF. 2011. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to August 2011. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist
2. Planet of Birds
3. Avianweb

• List of references

External Links

• View more images of this species on Orientalbirdimages