Taman Rimba Kiara is a little green gem located in a corner of the TTDI residential area. The above flowering tree, the firmiana malayana or mata lembu, flashes in testimony to man's care-less-ness - it's one of only two trees in the park that had flowered, since then the tree had been chopped down.

Tuesday, 29 October 2019

Falconet vs Shrike

Both can be considered carnivorous - the Black-thighed Falconet is the smallest raptor but the Tiger Shrike strictly speaking is not a bird of prey although its behaviour is akin to one.  
Having seen how the smaller birds fly off when both birds are in the vicinity, my first thought was to zero in on their common and distinct hooked beak, its natural hunting weapon.  It's indeed fascinating to note the similarity in their beaks.

"... The Black-thighed Falconet (Microhierax fringillarius) is one of the smallest birds of prey, typically measuring between 14–16 centimetres (5.5–6.3 in) long...."




"... Shrikes have earned the nickname “butcher birds” because they impale prey on thorns or spikes in order to tear it with their relatively weak talons. These birds generally prey on insects, small birds, lizards, and similar animals...."



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