THE HAWK TRIBE 



1955 



side of the neck, and likewise the front of the cheek, the throat, and breast are 

 white, while the abdomen is tinged with rufous. The lores and the space behind 

 the eye, as well as the sides of the body and the outer aspects of the thighs, are 

 glossy black. The bill and feet are dark; although in young birds the former is 

 yellow at the base. The white-legged falconet (H. melanoleucas} of Cachar and 

 Assam differs by its white abdomen and thighs; while the Philippine falconet 

 (H. erythrogenys) is distinguished from the latter by its black thighs. The small- 

 est of all is the red-legged falconet (If. ccerulescens) , which measures only five and 

 one-half inches, and ranges from Nipal and Sikkim, through Tenasserim and 



BLACK-LEGGED FALCONET AND ITS PREY. 

 (One-half natural size.) 



Burma, to Cambodia. It is distinguished from all the others by its white legs, 

 and derives its name from its rufous thighs. All the falconets are quick and active 

 in their movements, making their way with a rapid and direct flight, during which 

 the wings are constantly flapped. They are generally to be seen hawking insects 

 with swallow-like speed, and when tired are said invariably to select a dead branch 

 upon which to rest. Their chief food appears to consist of dragon flies, beetles, and 

 butterflies; although they undoubtedly at times attack and kill birds, which may 

 exceed themselves in size. Davison writes that he has seen a black-legged falconet 

 swoop at a rock thrush, and he once shot a male with a living and partially -plucked 

 swallow in its talons. All the species nest in hollow trees, making at the bottom 



