Cryptic Forest Falcon

Overview

The cryptic forest falcon (Micrastur mintoni) is a species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae found in the southeastern Amazon rainforest of Brazil and Bolivia. Despite being rated as least concern by some organisations due to its wide range, it is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to habitat loss.

Identification

• Size and weight range from 30–35 cm in height and 170–264 g for females (171–238 g for males).
• Plumage is grey, often darker on the head, with a blackish upper wing and rump, and white underparts featuring fine dark grey bars that are bolder in females.
• Distinguishing features include bare red facial skin, a black beak with an orange base, orange legs with blackish claws, and a single broad white tail bar (immature individuals have two narrower bands).
• Best recognised by its distinctive vocalisations, primarily a song of 'uk uk uk uk' notes at one per second lasting 1–1.5 minutes.

Habitat

This species primarily inhabits lowland terra firme forests and seasonally flooded Várzea forests in South America, with a disjunct population in the Atlantic Rainforest. It is widespread throughout southeastern Amazonia from north-east Bolivia to Pará, Brazil, though the Atlantic Rainforest population is likely critically endangered.

Diet

The cryptic forest falcon is a generalist that preys on reptiles, invertebrates, and small birds. It forages by watching from low perches in the understory and emerging to seize prey.

Did you know?

The species was first recognised as distinct in 2002 by Andrew Whittaker after hearing its distinctive vocalisations, and was named in memory of shore-bird ornithologist Clive D. T. Minton.