Micrastur ruficollis
The Barred Forest Falcon (Micrastur ruficollis) is a strikingly cryptic raptor of the Neotropical understory, recognized by its slate-grey upperparts and distinctive fine white-and-black barring across its underparts, extending from its breast to its undertail coverts. Measuring 30-38 cm (12-15 in) in length with a wingspan of 45-56 cm, this agile hunter possesses relatively short, rounded wings, a long tail, and strong yellow legs and cere, with dark eyes that lend it an intense gaze. Though...
This species primarily inhabits dense tropical and subtropical evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, favoring humid lowlands but extending into montane regions up to 2,000 meters in elevation.
Its diet consists primarily of small birds, lizards, snakes, and large insects such as cicadas and orthopterans, supplemented by small mammals like rodents. It employs an ambush hunting strategy, often catching prey on the ground or in low vegetation.
The Barred Forest Falcon is a diurnal, solitary, and exceptionally secretive raptor, spending much of its time perched silently on low to mid-level branches within the dense understory, often remaining motionless for extended periods while scanning for prey. Its primary foraging strategy is ambus...
The Barred Forest Falcon boasts a wide distribution across the Neotropics, extending from southern Mexico through Central America and much of South America. Its breeding range encompasses diverse tropical and subtropical forests, starting in southern Oaxaca and Chiapas, and the Yucatán Peninsula ...
Least Concern
- The Barred Forest Falcon is often called the "phantom of the forest" because its distinctive calls are frequently heard, but the bird itself is rarely seen due to its extremely secretive nature and cryptic plumage. - Unlike many falcons known for their swift aerial pursuits in open skies, this ...