Spot-winged Falconet
Spiziapteryx circumcincta
Small, distinctive falcon of the Chaco from central Argentina to SE Bolivia and W Paraguay, often seen on tall, exposed perches. Small size and bold white supercilium and malar distinctive. Generally uncommon and in low density throughout range. Call distinctive for a raptor: a slightly warbled, full “skyoot” note given repeatedly.
Identification
The spot-winged falconet is 25 to 31 cm (9.8 to 12 in) long and weighs 149 to 249 g (5.3 to 8.8 oz); females average about 8% heavier than males. Its wingspan is 47 to 58 cm (19 to 23 in) The sexes are alike, and juveniles have the same plumage as adults. The species is stocky with shortish wings and a fairly long tail. Their head, back, and wings are grayish brown with white spots on the wings and shoulders and a white rump. They have a pale supercilium that extends onto the neck. They have black ear coverts and a narrow black "moustache". Their throat is white, their breast, flanks, and upper belly are grayish with narrow brown streaks, and their lower belly is white. Their central tail feathers are dark and the rest dark with white bars and tips. Their iris is pale yellow, their cere and lores are rich yellow, and their legs and feet cream to yellow.
Taxonomy
The spot-winged falconet is the only member of genus Spiziapteryx and has no subspecies. Though by size and shape it appears to be a typical falcon, genetic data place it closer to the caracaras.
- Scientific name
- Spiziapteryx circumcincta
- Authority
- (Kaup, 1852)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Falconidae
- Genus
- Spiziapteryx
Range and habitat
The spot-winged falconet is found from Bolivia's Santa Cruz Department south through Paraguay into Argentina as far south as Río Negro Province. Sight records in Uruguay unconfirmed by photographs or specimens lead the South American Classification Committee of the American Ornithological Society to treat it as hypothetical in that country. The spot-winged falconet inhabits the Gran Chaco in mostly-open landscapes such as savanna and semi-arid woodlands; all are characterized by scrub with scattered trees. In elevation it ranges from sea level to about 750 m (2,500 ft) but is believed to be most numerous between 100 and 500 m (300 and 1,600 ft).
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The spot-winged falconet is believed to be a year-round resident, though individuals have wandered great distances.<p>The spot-winged falconet's hunting techniques have not been fully described, but it is known to still-hunt from a perch. Its diet includes insects of many orders, lizards, small mammals, and birds as large as the rufous hornero (Furnarius rufus) and monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus).<p>The spot-winged falconet lays eggs in Argentina during November and December. Birds in breeding condition have also been recorded between July and October, hinting at double-brooding. It nests in enclosed woven nests of other bird species such as cacholotes and in the active communal nests of monk parakeets. The clutch size is two to four eggs; the incubation period is not known; fledging is believed to occur about 33 days after hatch. Details of parental care are not known.<p>The spot-winged falconet's main call is a "distinctive nasal clucking constantly repeated, each note falling in pitch with a wailing effect"; it gives this when disturbed at the nest. The species also makes "a loud, guttural "kronk, kronk, kronk..."."
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Black-headed Mountain Greenbul
Arizelocichla nigriceps
Medium-sized chunky greenbul with a broken pale eye-ring. Note the black cap, a vaguely striped cheek, and gray underparts. Common and conspicuous in montane forest. Often joins mixed flocks with other bird species. The song is a short series of barking and mewing notes. Similar to Olive-headed Greenbul, but separated by the dark eye, the less distinct cheek striping, and the black rather than olive-green crown.
Dark-throated Oriole
Oriolus xanthonotus
A streak-breasted oriole with a rather long, lipstick-pink bill. Male is yellow with a glossy black hood and dark wings. Female is olive-green above. Both sexes have dark red eyes. On Borneo absent from the northern parts of the island, where replaced by the very similar Ventriloquial Oriole. Inhabits lowland and hill forests and forest edges, typically moving in the upper levels of the forest. Sometimes found singly, sometimes in pairs or mixed flocks. Song is short but fluidly melodic, often with the last note stretched out. Gives a harsh, jay-like “chew!”.
Brown Jacamar
Brachygalba lugubris
A small-headed bird with a long slender bill. Mostly brown with a glossy bluish black, wings, and tail that contrasts with a white chin and belly. Northern subspecies have buffy underparts. Normally sits upright on an exposed branch; often in groups where they sally out to catch insects. Found at the border and in the canopy of forests and savanna woodlands.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.