Cryptic Forest Falcon
A species of Forest Falcons Scientific name : Micrastur mintoni Genus : Forest Falcons
Cryptic Forest Falcon, A species of Forest Falcons
Botanical name: Micrastur mintoni
Genus: Forest Falcons
Content
Description General Info
Description
The 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. 
Size
35 cm
Nest Placement
Cavity
Feeding Habits
Cryptic Forest Falcon is a generalist predator, feasting on reptiles, invertebrates, and small birds. It hunts from low understory perches, emerging swiftly to capture prey, showcasing a cryptic hunting approach.
Habitat
Cryptic Forest Falcon is typically found in the lowland terra firme forests, which are defined by their high trees and dense understory populated with palms, vines, and epiphytes. These birds are also associated with the Várzea forests, known for seasonal flooding and a bamboo-rich understory. Their range extends to the Atlantic Forest of eastern South America. Cryptic Forest Falcon inhabit interior forest areas and are known for being elusive, often remaining heard rather than seen. Geographically, they reside in regions spanning south of the Amazon River and east of the Madeira River.
Dite type
Carnivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Distribution Area
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.
Species Status
The IUCN classified the cryptic forest falcon as least concern in 2016, which is consistent with its 2004, 2008, 2009, and 2012 assessments. This is largely due to its extremely large range. This range however, is decreasing. An analysis of forest cover change from 2000-2012 showed that this species lost 22% of its habitat within three generations, leading some to believe it should be considered globally Near Threatened. While its population size hasn't been quantified, it is believed to be decreasing. This decrease is largely based on its habitat loss due to deforestation. It is suspected to lose 34-51% of its habitat over three generations (26 years).
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Diurnal Birds of Prey Family
Falcons and caracaras Genus
Forest Falcons Species
Cryptic Forest Falcon 
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