Smallest bird of prey

- Who
- Microhierax fringillarius, Microhierax latifrons
- What
- 14 - 15/35 dimension(s)
- When
- 01 January 0001
The smallest bird of prey in the world is a title held jointly by the black-legged falconet (Microhierax fringillarius) of south-east Asia and the white-fronted or Bornean falconet (Microhierax latifrons) of north-western Borneo. Both species have an average length of 14–15 cm (5.5–6 in) (including a 5 cm (2 in) tail) and a weight of about 35 g (1 1/4 oz).
Microhierax feed mainly on insects, such as dragonflies, darting out from tree-perches to catch them in the same way that flycatchers hunt their prey. They are aggressive and attack other birds which pass through their area. Their wings are pointed and the tail rounded and of medium length. The bill is usually heavy with a well developed tooth. Their feet are very heavy with curved, sharp talons.