Collared Forest-falcon Microstur semitorquatus; Halcón de monte collarejo; Kappenwaldfalke; Carnifex à collier

Forest-falcons in Costa Rica number only 3 species and are much more frequently heard than seen because of their generally secretive habits. Even within their forest environment you would be very fortunate to catch a glimpse. The Collared Forest-falcon is the largest of the Microstur genus, with adult females reaching 24 inches in length. Even though this species is more common than the much smaller and rather rare Slaty-backed Forest-falcon – or even than the Barred Forest-falcon (see my previous post of September 2019) -I think you’ll agree that the following images of an adult, or perhaps immature, bird (pale morph) are quite sensational:

Would you please turn around? The next image shows more clearly some of the salient features of this beautiful raptor:

In our area it might be possible to mistake this species upon first sight for the similarly attired Bicolored Hawk, a species that has appeared several times in my garden. However, the black wedge across the ear coverts of the forest-falcon should dispel any doubts.

A rare black morph of the species exists. If seen clearly however, it could be distinguished by its long tail from several of our large, all-black hawks. No pic is available of course!

The Collared Forest-falcon can take surprisingly large prey, from quite small frogs up to the size of our local chachalacas. Unsurprisingly, John notes, the several species of migrant warblers initially present at his Aquiares location fell silent and/or disappeared during the visit of the forest-falcon. These included an uncommon Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina), a species which I have recorded at home in San Antonio on only a couple of occasions.