Pied Falconet

The pied falconet, also called the white-legged falconet, is a small black and white raptor in the genus that includes the smallest birds of prey in the world. It measures about 18 to 19cm and weighs 55 to 75g. The face is white with a prominent black patch around the eyes, and the upperparts, including the crown, are completely black, with white bars on the black primaries (Wikipedia, general species account).

It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Laos and Vietnam, in forest, and is a resident rather than a migrant. It usually perches on tree tops, flying off now and then to catch prey. It nests in old woodpecker or barbet holes, laying three or four white eggs on a bed of leaves or grass, with a breeding season from March to May. The male gives a rapid series of calls to the female in courtship.