The cryptic forest falcon (Micrastur mintoni ) is a species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae. It is found in the south-eastern Amazon rainforest in Brazil and Bolivia. While uncommon in its Amazonian range, it remains widespread, and is therefore rated as least concern by BirdLife International and IUCN. Unlike the lined forest falcon, with which it has long been confused in a cryptic species complex, adult cryptic forest falcons only have a single white tail-band (in addition to a narrow white tail-tip).
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
Oviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
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Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withThe cryptic forest falcon is a rarely spotted bird of prey. When spotted, it is often confused for its congeners, the barred forest falcon, the lined forest falcon, and the plumbeous forest falcon. While it differs slightly from its congeners in its physical characteristics, it is best recognized by its distinctive vocalizations. Its height is 30-35 centimeters, and its weight is 170-264 grams for females (171-238 grams for males). Its plumage is grey (often darker on head), with a blackish upper wing and rump. Its bare red facial skin and single broad white tail bar distinguish it from the barred forest falcon. Immature individuals have two narrower white tail bands. Sometimes, an additional tail band is present, and is covered by the bird's upper tail coverts. With a wing:tail ratio of 1:36, its short tail further distinguishes it from the lined forest falcon. Its chin, central throat, and underparts are white. Its breast is white, with fine dark grey bars (generally bolder in females). These bars are more defined near the birds lower throat/upper breast. This barring is greatly reduced on immature individuals. It has a black beak, with an orange base, and greyish iris. Sometimes a diagonal line across its cheek is present in immature individuals. Its legs are orange, with blackish claws.
The cryptic forest falcon primarily inhabits the Lowland terra firme forests of South America. A habitat characterized by its tall trees and dense, diverse understory. It also frequents the Várzea forest, a seasonally flooded forest with a bamboo understory. A population also exists in the Atlantic Rainforest of eastern South America.
This species has a wide distribution throughout South America, and is believed to occur over 19,300,000 km². There are two known populations of the cryptic forest falcon, the first of which is throughout southeastern Amazonia, from north-east Bolivia to Para, Brazil.
A disjunct population, thought to be potentially extinct until its rediscovery in 2012 exists in the Atlantic Rainforest of eastern South America. The status of this population is not currently known, and is likely critical.
The cryptic forest falcon is believed to be sedentary. It is not migratory.
The cryptic forest falcon is believed to be a generalist. It is known to prey on reptiles and invertebrates. It is also believed to prey on small birds, as one individual emerged to a recording of the rufous-necked puffbird.
Very little information is known about the cryptic forest falcons breeding behavior. It is believed to nest in the wet season (December-May), as it molts remiges from April-August. This is also supported by possible damage from a nesting cavity in a female specimen collected in early June. It is presumed to breed in cavities as do other forest-falcons. M. mintoni has a generation length of 8.6 years.
