Lined Forest-Falcon
NameLined Forest-Falcon
Common NameLined Forest-Falcon
Scientific NameMicrastur ruficollis
FamilyFalconidae
Wingspan (cm)45
Length (cm)32
Weight (g)160
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark slate-gray to blackish. Underparts are white to buff, finely barred with black or dark gray. The head is dark gray, often with a rufous wash on the nape and hindneck. It has a prominent bare orange-yellow orbital ring and cere, and yellow legs.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a distinctive series of rapid, accelerating, and often descending hoots or whistles, sometimes described as a 'whoop-whoop-whoop' or 'kow-kow-kow' call, often given at dawn or dusk.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread in Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico south through Central America to northern Argentina and southern Brazil.
Identifying FeaturesFinely barred underparts, Dark slate-gray upperparts, Orange-yellow orbital ring and cere, Rufous nape/collar (variable), Secretive behavior in dense forest, Distinctive hooting calls
Description
The Lined Forest-Falcon is a small, secretive raptor of dense Neotropical forests, often heard more than seen. It typically perches quietly in the understory, ambushing small birds, mammals, and reptiles with swift, powerful strikes.
