Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon
NameSlaty-backed Forest-Falcon
Common NameSlaty-backed Forest-Falcon
Scientific NameMicrastur mirandollei
FamilyFalconidae
Wingspan (cm)57.5
Length (cm)33
Weight (g)190
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark slaty-gray upperparts, including the back, wings, and tail. The head features a distinct black cap, contrasting with a bright yellow cere and orbital ring around dark eyes. Underparts are entirely white, sometimes with a buffy wash on the flanks.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of accelerating, hooting or barking calls, often described as 'whoop-whoop-whoop-whoop-whoop'. They can also produce a rapid series of 'kek-kek-kek' notes.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound in humid lowland forests of Central and South America, from Costa Rica and Panama south through Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, to parts of western Brazil.
Identifying Featuresdark slaty-gray upperparts, white underparts, black cap, bright yellow cere and orbital ring, raptor morphology, forest habitat
Description
This medium-sized raptor is characterized by its dark slaty-gray upperparts and contrasting white underparts. It is a secretive forest-dweller, often heard more than seen, hunting in the understory of humid tropical forests.
