Collared Forest Falcon

The Collared Forest Falcon, Micrastur semitorquatus, is a bird of prey with a striking appearance, characterized by a dark back, a white neck, and breast. It exhibits three color morphs: pale, tawny, and dark, with the pale and tawny morphs featuring a light collar at the back of the neck. This species is the largest within the Micrastur genus, comparable in size to the Peregrine Falcon but with a longer tail and much shorter wings, adapted for its forest lifestyle.

Identification Tips

Adult Collared Forest Falcons have a robust build, with rounded short wings and a long tail, which are indicative of their agility in forested environments. They display sexual dimorphism, with females being significantly larger than males, including in beak, tail, and wing chord size. Nestlings can be identified by their white nails, light yellow legs, and yellowish-white compressed beaks, with their eyes opening a few days post-hatching.

Habitat

This species thrives in a range of moist habitats, from mangroves and tropical rainforests to gallery forests and tall secondary growth. They favor areas with dense undergrowth, which facilitates their hunting and movement.

Distribution

The Collared Forest Falcon is found across many countries in Central and South America, from Argentina to Mexico. They are year-round residents, occupying territories from sea level up to 2500 meters in elevation.

Behaviour

The Collared Forest Falcon is a secretive bird, often remaining hidden within the dense forest canopy. They are known to be territorial, with estimates of around ten pairs per 100 square kilometers during the breeding season.

Song & Calls

Their distinctive call, a low, human-like "ow" or "ahr," is most commonly heard before sunrise and into mid-morning during the breeding season. These vocalizations serve as territorial markers and can carry over long distances. The young emit a "scree" sound initially, which transitions to single-note "ahr" calls as they approach fledging.

Breeding

Breeding activities, including courtship and nesting, occur during the dry season. The female incubates the eggs for approximately 46-48 days, with the male providing food. Fledglings remain dependent on their parents for 6-11 weeks post-hatching.

Similar Species

The Collared Forest Falcon is the largest member of the Micrastur genus, which includes several other forest falcons such as the Barred Forest Falcon and the Plumbeous Forest Falcon. It can be distinguished by its size and the distinctive collar on the neck of pale and tawny morphs.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet is diverse, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. They hunt by concealing themselves and then pursuing prey by flight or by running and hopping along the forest floor. Their hunting technique is supported by specialized hearing and flexible tail feathers.

Conservation status

The Collared Forest Falcon is currently classified as Least Concern due to its wide distribution and adaptability to various forest types. However, their preference for nesting in large, old-growth trees, such as the Spanish cedar, which are also targeted by logging industries, could pose future conservation challenges.