Joyce

The pied falconet, also known as the white-legged falconet, is a species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae. The falconets found in Wuyun are mainly black and white with distinctive black shadows around their eyes just like a panda and they are small, fluffy, and adorable. Due to its appearance similar to a panda and its rarety, these birds are also known as panda birds by locals.  Falconet prey is suitably small, ranging from butterflies, moths, and dragonflies, to lizards, cicadas, and even small birds.

The pied falconets mainly live in Asia. You can find these birds in Eastern China and Yunnan province, but Wuyuan is the place where panda birds consistently show themselves and has the most population. Specifically, Xiaoqi Village in Wuyuan is where you have the best chance to spot these rare and cute creatures.

Xiaoqi Village is located 45 km northeast of central Wuyuan. It is an ecologically well-preserved village with many types of old trees, among them are some huge ancient camphor trees, which the falconets build nest holes and use those bare branches as lookout points. There is a guest house, where most bird lovers and photographers stay and are treated to views of the pied falconets from its rooftop deck.