Photographer captures record 17 collared falconets in Yunnan

Despite being the size of sparrows, collared falconets are known for their fierce hunting abilities and can take down birds of a similar size. In practice, however, they typically feed on butterflies, dragonflies, and other easily caught prey. The species is listed as a national second-class protected wild animal in China.

Collared falconets are highly social and are often seen basking together in the sun in the valley, which is currently the only place in China where they can be reliably observed and photographed. Set within a tropical monsoon forest, the area is famed for its biodiversity and is the country's only region where three hornbill species are stably distributed and breeding.