Cryptic Forest-falcon vs Peregrine Falcon

Micrastur mintoni compared with Falco peregrinus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Cryptic Forest-falcon Peregrine Falcon
Scientific Name Micrastur mintoni Falco peregrinus
Order Falconiformes Falconiformes
Family Falconidae Falconidae
Conservation Status Near Threatened Least Concern
Length — 43.0 cm (16.9 in)
Wingspan 37.5 cm (14.8 in) 104.0 cm (40.9 in)
Weight 210.75 g (7.43 oz) 750.0 g (26.46 oz)
Diet -- Almost exclusively medium-sized birds caught in flight, including pigeons, doves, waterfowl, and songbirds. Hunts with …
Clutch Size -- 2-4
Population Trend — —

Size Comparison

Body Length
Cryptic Forest-falcon —
Peregrine Falcon 43.0 cm
Wingspan
Cryptic Forest-falcon 37.5 cm
Peregrine Falcon 104.0 cm
Weight
Cryptic Forest-falcon 210.75 g
Peregrine Falcon 750.0 g

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Cryptic Forest-falcon only

Peregrine Falcon only

Peregrine Falcon

Diverse habitats from tundra to tropics, typically near cliffs or tall structures. Increasingly found in cities nesting on skyscrapers and bridges.

Song & Call Comparison

Cryptic Forest-falcon

Peregrine Falcon

Song

A harsh, wailing 'kak-kak-kak-kak' repeated rapidly in defense of the nest. Alarm call is a long screaming 'raaak'. Mostly silent away from breeding sites.

Geographic Range & Migration

Cryptic Forest-falcon

Peregrine Falcon

One of the most widespread birds, found on every continent except Antarctica. Migratory populations travel vast distances between breeding and wintering grounds.

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Cryptic Forest-falcon

Least Concern

Peregrine Falcon

How to Tell Them Apart

Cryptic Forest-falcon

Peregrine Falcon

Plumage

Blue-grey upperparts with barred white underparts. A distinctive black moustachial stripe contrasts with the white throat and cheeks.

Bill

Short, notched blue-grey bill with a yellow cere

About These Birds

Peregrine Falcon

The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds over 389 km/h during its characteristic hunting stoop. Like the bald eagle, peregrines suffered dramatic declines from DDT but have recovered through intensive conservation programs. They have adapted remarkably well to urban environments.

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