High up in the canopy, a flash of grey disappears between the leaves. Here at our Costa Rican mountain retreat, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the secretive Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon (Micrastur mirandollei). This elusive raptor is a master of camouflage, perfectly adapted to its life hidden within the emerald embrace of the rainforest.

A Ghost in the Trees

The Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon is aptly named. Adults are sleek and slender, with slate-grey upperparts that blend seamlessly with the shadows of the forest. Their undersides are a clean white, further aiding in crypsis. Juveniles, however, are more boldly patterned with a brown, scaly breast, which fades as they mature.

These forest dwellers are more often heard than seen. Their piercing calls, especially at dawn and dusk, echo through the trees – a haunting melody that sends shivers down the spine. If you’re patient and observant, you might spot their yellow eyes glinting from the dense foliage, a fleeting glimpse before they vanish once more.

Built for the Hunt

Despite their slender build, Slaty-backed Forest-Falcons are apex predators in their domain. Their long legs and sharp talons are perfectly designed to snatch prey from the understory. Unlike many falcons that hunt in open areas, these birds rely on agility and surprise within the dense forest.

Their diet consists mainly of lizards, snakes, and large insects. Their powerful beaks are adept at crushing bones and tearing flesh. While they might take the occasional small bird by surprise, their primary targets are smaller, less agile creatures.

A Forest Guardian

The Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the rainforest ecosystem. By preying on lizards, snakes, and insects, they help control populations that could otherwise explode, causing damage to the delicate balance of the forest. Their presence is an indicator of a healthy ecosystem, a testament to the thriving biodiversity here in the Costa Rican mountains.

A Twitchers Delight

For birdwatchers, the Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon is a challenging but rewarding quest. Their secretive nature and dense forest habitat make them difficult to spot. But for those with a keen ear and unwavering patience, the thrill of hearing their call or catching a fleeting glimpse is an unforgettable experience.

Listen to the Forest

If you’re visiting our mountain retreat, keep your ears tuned for the haunting calls of the Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon. With a little luck and a dose of patience, you might just unlock the secrets of this remarkable raptor, a true master of disguise in the emerald cathedral of the rainforest.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

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