Forest falcon
Encyclopedia
Forest falcons are members of the genus
Micrastur, part of the family Falconidae
. They are endemic to the Americas
, found from Mexico
in the north, south through Central America
and large parts of South America
, and as far south as northern Argentina
. Most are restricted to humid tropical and subtropical forests; but the two most widespread species, the Collared and the Barred Forest Falcons, also range into drier and more open habitats.
Forest falcons, like most Accipiter
-type hawks (but unlike other falcons), are adapted for agility in thick cover rather than outright speed in the open air. They have short wings, long tails, and extraordinarily acute hearing. While generally visually inconspicuous, their songs are commonly heard.
Diet is a mixture of birds, mammals and reptiles. Hunting is often performed in Goshawk fashion: the bird takes up a perch in an inconspicuous position and waits for a prey species to pass, then strikes with a short, rapid pursuit. Forest-falcons are inventive, flexible hunters, and at least some species (such as the relatively long-legged Collared Forest Falcon) are also capable of catching terrestrial prey on foot.
In 2002, a new species
was described, found in the Atlantic forest and the southeastern Amazon
of Brazil
(and later also confirmed for adjacent parts of Bolivia
). It has been named Micrastur mintoni, the Cryptic Forest Falcon, as it is phenotypically highly similar to M. gilvicollis.
Genus
In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...
Micrastur, part of the family Falconidae
Falconidae
The falcons and caracaras are around 60 species of diurnal birds of prey that make up the family Falconidae. The family is divided into two subfamiles, Polyborinae, which includes the caracaras and forest falcons, and Falconinae, the falcons, kestrels and falconets.-Description:Falcons and...
. They are endemic to the Americas
Americas
The Americas, or America , are lands in the Western hemisphere, also known as the New World. In English, the plural form the Americas is often used to refer to the landmasses of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions, while the singular form America is primarily...
, found from Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
in the north, south through Central America
Central America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
and large parts of South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
, and as far south as northern Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
. Most are restricted to humid tropical and subtropical forests; but the two most widespread species, the Collared and the Barred Forest Falcons, also range into drier and more open habitats.
Forest falcons, like most Accipiter
Accipiter
The genus Accipiter is a group of birds of prey in the family Accipitridae, many of which are named as goshawks and sparrowhawks. They can be anatomically distinguished from their relatives by the lack of a procoracoid foramen. Two small and aberrant species usually placed here do possess a large...
-type hawks (but unlike other falcons), are adapted for agility in thick cover rather than outright speed in the open air. They have short wings, long tails, and extraordinarily acute hearing. While generally visually inconspicuous, their songs are commonly heard.
Diet is a mixture of birds, mammals and reptiles. Hunting is often performed in Goshawk fashion: the bird takes up a perch in an inconspicuous position and waits for a prey species to pass, then strikes with a short, rapid pursuit. Forest-falcons are inventive, flexible hunters, and at least some species (such as the relatively long-legged Collared Forest Falcon) are also capable of catching terrestrial prey on foot.
In 2002, a new species
Bird species new to science described in the 2000s
This page details the bird species described as new to science in the years 2000 to 2010:-Number of species described per year:-Countries with high numbers of newly described species:* Brazil* Colombia* Peru* Indonesia-2000:...
was described, found in the Atlantic forest and the southeastern Amazon
Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest , also known in English as Amazonia or the Amazon Jungle, is a moist broadleaf forest that covers most of the Amazon Basin of South America...
of Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
(and later also confirmed for adjacent parts of Bolivia
Bolivia
Bolivia officially known as Plurinational State of Bolivia , is a landlocked country in central South America. It is the poorest country in South America...
). It has been named Micrastur mintoni, the Cryptic Forest Falcon, as it is phenotypically highly similar to M. gilvicollis.
Species
- Barred Forest Falcon, Micrastur ruficollis
- Plumbeous Forest Falcon, Micrastur plumbeus
- Lined Forest Falcon, Micrastur gilvicollis
- Cryptic Forest Falcon, Micrastur mintoni
- Slaty-backed Forest Falcon, Micrastur mirandollei
- Collared Forest Falcon, Micrastur semitorquatus
- Buckley's Forest Falcon, Micrastur buckleyi