Birds of Ecuador

    FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae (Caracaras, Falcons)  
Genus: Micrastur (6 species, 7 worldwide)

Genus Micrastur, Forest Falcons, are secretive birds that live inside mature forest hunting birds, rodents and reptiles. Note bare skin on face and distinctive parrot-like head. They may visit ant swarms, or may be found when they are being mobbed by smaller birds.


Buckley's Forest Falcon
Buckley's Forest Falcon (Micrastur buckleyi)
Peru  
   
Photograph by Dan Bormann   © All Rights Reserved.

Looks similar to the Slaty-backed Forest Falcon (two white-breasted species), but note white face. Hilty writes that it is a small version of Collared Forest Falcon with a shorter tail (only four white bars vs. six).

Lined Forest Falcon
Lined Forest Falcon (Micrastur gilvicollis)
Pantiacolla Ridge, Madre de Dios, Peru
  Grey on back with thin horizontal barring in front (not seen well here). 35 cm.
   
Photograph by Graham Montgomery   © All Rights Reserved.

At 35 cm., among the smallest forest falcons. Similar to Barred Forest Falcon, but less barred, and note pale eye (ProAves).

Slaty-backed Forest Falcon
Slaty-backed Forest Falcon (Micrastur mirandollei) Immature
Panama Rainforest Discover Center, Colón province, Panama  
   
Photograph by Tropical Birding (Nick Athanas)   © All Rights Reserved.


Plumbeous Forest Falcon
Plumbeous Forest Falcon (Micrastur plumbeus) Vulnerable
Esmeraldas, Ecuador  
   
Photograph by Alex Luna   © All Rights Reserved.


Barred Forest Falcon
Barred Forest Falcon (Micrastur ruficollis interstes) Male
Costa Rica  
   
Photograph by Tom Friedel   © All Rights Reserved.

Barred Forest Falcon
Barred Forest Falcon (Micrastur ruficollis ruficollis) Female
Araripe, Ceará, Brazil  
   
Photograph by Hector Bottai     Copyright and usage info

At 38 cm., among the smaller forest falcons.

Collared Forest Falcon
Collared Forest Falcon (Micrastur semitorquatus naso)
Costa Rica  
   
Photograph by Jorge Obando Gutierrez   © Copyrighted, All Rights Reserved.

A large hawk-sized forest falcon which is the most often seen and most widespread forest falcon. Frequently heard, and likes to call at night as well.


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