Collared forest falcon

The Collared Forest Falcon is a captivating bird of prey from the Falconidae family, noted for being the largest member of the Micrastur genus. These elusive birds are native to the tropical rainforests of Latin America and are easily recognizable by their distinctive calls. Their physical build is ideally suited for navigating dense forests, and their diet is impressively varied, ranging from small frogs to adult turkeys.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Collared Forest Falcon is its nesting habits. They typically nest in the cavities of Spanish cedar trees, which are regrettably at risk due to logging. This poses a significant conservation challenge for the species.

Females are larger than males, a feature known as sexual size dimorphism. The species also exhibits three different morphological forms. These falcons are year-round residents in various Central and South American countries, with their population estimated to be between 500,000 and 5 million.

Collared Forest Falcons inhabit a variety of environments, from mangroves to dense rainforests, but they prefer areas with thick undergrowth. Their vocalizations are unique, and they employ specialized hunting techniques to capture a wide range of prey. When it comes to reproduction, they have a small clutch size and a relatively lengthy nestling period.

Their nests are usually found in large tree cavities, with a particular preference for Spanish cedar trees. Although they are currently classified as "Least Concern" in terms of conservation status, the impact of logging on their nesting habitats is a cause for concern and warrants further study.