Bat Falcon

The bat falcon is a falcon that is a resident breeder in tropical Mexico, Central and South America, Trinidad. It was long known as Falco albigularis; the names Falco fusco-coerulescens or Falco fuscocaerulescens, long used for the aplomado falcon, are now believed to refer to the present species.Bat falcon adult males measure 24-29 cm (8-10 in.) in length with a wingspan of 56-58 cm (18-19 in.) females also range from 24-29 cm (8-10 in.) in length but have a larger wingspan, which ranges between 65 and 67 cm (21-22 in.) Bat falcons are generally solitary birds and outside of the breeding season spend time singly. They perch conspicuously on high, open snags, from which they launch aerial attacks on their prey. Their flight is direct and powerful. Bat falcons are mainly crepuscular and hunt by dusk and down.The Bat Falcon is a widespread small falcon of forest and clearings in the Neotropics. It occurs from Mexico south to northwestern Peru and, east of the Andes, northern Argentina. It is dark slate gray above, with an obvious white throat, black-and-white barred breast, and orange lower belly and thighs.

Scientific name: Falco rufigularis

Conservation status: Least Concern (Population decreasing)

Mass: 3.8 – 8.5 oz