Polihierax insignis, or the White-Rumped Falcon has up to a 49cm wingspan. They are considered to be small falcons compared to others. However, they have an acute sense of sight and sharp talons and beaks.  P. insignis has short, pointed wings. Females have heads and backs of a bright chestnut color.

     

P. insignis can be found in Asia: Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. It mostly inhabits deciduous forests at up to 915 meters. It might also be found in savannas.

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The white-rumped falcon population is estimated to be from 10,000 to 20,000 full grown adults, and up to 30,000 total birds. It is declining at a slow rate, and is considered to be near-threatened. It is declining because of habitat loss and people hunting it.

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The white-rumped falcon is a carnivore, like all falcons. It eats lizards and insects. THe insects are mostly cicadas and grasshoppers. P. insignis usually hunts on branches in trees or on the ground.That isn’t usual, because most Falconiformes hunt in the air.

There are a few interesting facts about P. Insignis. Their beaks have a prominent “tooth” that extends to the lower half of the beak. While female white-rumped falcons have chesnut heads, males have heads heads of light gray color. Finally, P. insignis was once called Neohierax insignis, but its name was changed by Kirke Swann in 1922.

Author:Rhett T.     

Published: 02/2014     

 

Sources:

1. Vuilleumier, François, Dr., and Carla Dove. "Birds." Animals. New York, New York: DK, 2001. 286. Print.

2. Kasorndorkbua, Chaiyan. "Global Raptor Information Network." Global Raptor Information Network. The Peregrine Fund, 17 Feb. 2011. Web. 19 Feb. 2014.

3. Benstead, P., S. Mahood, J. Taylor, S. Butchart, and A. Symes. "White-rumped Falcon."BirdLife. Birdlife International, 2000. Web. 19 Feb. 2014.

4. Admin. "Planet of Birds » Source to All Birds on the Planet." Planet of Birds. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Feb. 2014.

5. “White-rumped Falcon” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Feb. 2014. Web. 19 Feb. 2

 

Photo credit: Chris G. Bradshaw