Cryptic Forest Falcon
Micrastur mintoni
The Cryptic Forest Falcon (Micrastur mintoni) is a rare falcons and caracara found in 2 countries, weighing about 210 g. The cryptic forest falcon is a species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae.
About the Cryptic Forest Falcon
The cryptic forest falcon is a species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae. It is found in the southeastern Amazon rainforest in Brazil and Bolivia. While uncommon in its Amazonian range, it remains widespread and is therefore rated as least concern by BirdLife International and IUCN. Unlike the lined forest falcon, with which it has long been confused in a cryptic species complex, adult cryptic forest falcons only have a single white tail-band.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The cryptic forest falcon is a rarely spotted bird of prey. When spotted, it is often confused for its congeners, the barred forest falcon, the lined forest falcon, and the plumbeous forest falcon. While it differs slightly from its congeners in its physical characteristics, it is best recognized by its distinctive vocalizations. Its height is 30-35 centimeters, and its weight is 170-264 grams for females (171-238 grams for males). Its plumage is grey (often darker on head), with a blackish upper wing and rump. Voice: The cryptic forest falcon is most recognizable for its vocalizations, primarily its distinctive song. This song consists of a series of "uk uk uk uk" notes, at one note per second. This song usually lasts for 1-1.5 minutes. This song is used to alert others of its territory. In addition to its song, the forest-falcon has two calls. The first of which, is its cackling call.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, with peak activity in August. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Cryptic Forest Falcon?
- The cryptic forest falcon is a rarely spotted bird of prey. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Cryptic Forest Falcon?
- The Cryptic Forest Falcon is a medium sized bird weighing about 210 g.
- Where can you see a Cryptic Forest Falcon?
- The Cryptic Forest Falcon occurs in 2 countries, including Brazil and Bolivia.
- What birds look similar to a Cryptic Forest Falcon?
- The Cryptic Forest Falcon is most easily confused with the Buckley's Forest Falcon, the Plumbeous Forest Falcon and the Slaty-backed Forest Falcon.
- Is the Cryptic Forest Falcon endangered?
- The Cryptic Forest Falcon is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Cryptic Forest Falcon for real
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