Welcome back, nature enthusiasts, to another feathered friend in our Costa Rican birding extravaganza! Today, we turn our gaze skyward to a master of the reptilian realm – the aptly named Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans).

While you might expect a falcon to be a generalist, the Laughing Falcon is a specialist with a taste for the slithery. This medium-sized raptor boasts a striking appearance: a creamy white head and chest contrasted by a bold black bandit mask and dark brown upperparts. Look closely, and you’ll see flashes of rusty brown on the wings during flight.

Habitat:

Though widespread throughout Costa Rica, you won’t find Laughing Falcons in the dense rainforest. They prefer open areas with scattered trees, forest edges, pastures with a lone standing sentinel, and even fragmented forests. Our mountain retreat provides the perfect habitat for these birds, with plenty of perches for surveying their territory. Keep your eyes peeled for them perched high in the branches, scanning the ground with their sharp yellow eyes.

The Snack of Choice:

Unlike most falcons that hunt a variety of prey, the Laughing Falcon lives up to its scientific name, Herpetotheres cachinnans, which translates to “reptile mower that laughs.” Snakes make up a whopping 77% of their diet! They’re fearless hunters, tackling even venomous coral snakes. Their agility and speed allow them to snatch unsuspecting reptiles from the ground, sometimes even snatching them right out of the trees.

The Laughing Reputation:

But the Laughing Falcon’s most distinctive feature isn’t its hunting prowess; it’s its unforgettable call. At dawn and dusk, the air fills with a loud, raucous “wa-ha-ha” or “gwa-co,” earning them the nickname “guaco” in Spanish. Sometimes, these calls become duets, with two Laughing Falcons harmonizing their laughter.

Spotting a Laughing Falcon:

While Laughing Falcons are relatively common, their preferred habitat can make them a bit tricky to spot. The best time to look is during their active periods: dawn and dusk. Listen for their tell-tale calls and train your eyes on the highest branches of trees lining pastures, forest edges, or even near the retreat itself. With a little patience and these tips, you might just be rewarded with a glimpse of this fascinating feathered serpent specialist.

Beyond the Blog:

Our experienced birding guides at the retreat are familiar with the Laughing Falcon’s habits and preferred locations. Let them know of your interest in seeing this unique bird, and they’ll be happy to help you on your quest.

So, keep your ears tuned for the sound of laughter echoing through the mountains. It might just be the Laughing Falcon, reminding us all of the beauty and intrigue hidden within the Costa Rican wild!

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

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)