Birdsong field guide
Plumbeous Forest-Falcon
Micrastur plumbeus
A rare and reclusive raptor endemic to the Chocó region, distinguished by its slate-grey upperparts and fine ventral barring.
What it sounds like
A series of rhythmic, hollow, and nasal 'uk' or 'kow' notes often repeated in long sequences.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- It is one of the most range-restricted and least studied forest-falcons in the world.
- The species possesses an owl-like facial disc that aids in acoustic hunting within dense, dark vegetation.
- Unlike most of its relatives, it typically exhibits only a single visible white band on its black tail.
- It is currently classified as Vulnerable due to high rates of habitat loss and fragmentation across its narrow range.
- Its hunting technique involves sitting motionlessly on low perches to ambush lizards, frogs, and large insects.
Habitat
Primary lowland and foothill evergreen tropical forests.
Range
The Chocó bioregion of eastern Panama, western Colombia, and northwestern Ecuador.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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