Cryptic Forest-Falcon
NameCryptic Forest-Falcon
Common NameCryptic Forest-Falcon
Scientific NameMicrastur mintoni
FamilyFalconidae
Wingspan (cm)45
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)135
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark slate-grey, contrasting with a distinctive rufous-orange face and lores. The underparts are white with fine, dark barring, particularly on the flanks and belly. It has an orange cere and legs, and a dark tail with a single white band.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of rapid, accelerating 'kek-kek-kek' or 'kew-kew-kew' calls, often ending in a trill. It also produces a distinctive, repeated 'ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah' call.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Amazon basin, primarily found in southeastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and western Brazil.
Identifying FeaturesRufous-orange face, Finely barred white underparts, Dark slate-grey upperparts, Orange cere and legs, Secretive behavior in dense forest understory, Distinctive calls
Description
The Cryptic Forest-Falcon is a small, elusive raptor found in dense lowland forests. It is an ambush predator, often perching quietly in the understory before darting out to catch its prey.
