“I had an extended opportunity to observe two first year Black-thighed Falconets (Microhierax fringillarius) – as seen from the significant residual rufous colouration on the white parts of the head).
“They caught and fed mainly on dragonflies. One of the dragonflies I managed to identify is the Brachydiplax chalybea (Blue Dasher). [Note: Wildlife consultant Subaraj Rajathurai has identified the dragonfly as Orthetrum sabina (Variegated Green Skimmer)].
“They caught the dragonflies in the claw while on the wing. They hold it in one claw and eat it piecemeal while the prey is still alive; they did not eat the wings. The pair did not share prey with each other.
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
1st July 2019
Location: Ipoh City, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Limestone hills at outskirts of the city
3 Responses
Hi Dato,
Beautiful shots of the falconets and their prey.
Just a small correction. The dragonfly is actually Orthetrum sabina (Variegated Green Skimmer).
Keep posting your wonderful wildlife encounters!
Subaraj
Thanks Subaraj. Amended,
Thanks Subaraj & BESG for dragonfly ID. Perhaps I was not clear when I commented ““They caught and fed mainly on dragonflies. One of the dragonflies I managed to identify is the Brachydiplax chalybea (Blue Dasher).” That was NOT in reference to the dragonfly in the image but as part of the overall observations made of their prey. Apprentice the ID of this dragonfly that I could not ID.