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LAUGHING FALCON  Herpetotheres cachinnans 46–56cm, WS 79–94cm. Dis-

tinctive, large-headed and long-tailed snake-eating raptor of open and semi-

open country with scattered large trees, forest edge. Often perches on prominent

snags, fence posts, utility poles. Does not soar; flight direct, with hurried stiff

wingbeats that show off bold buff wing panels. Note creamy-buff head and un-

derparts with broad black ‘bandit mask,’ boldly banded tail. Ages/sexes similar.

SOUNDS: Far-carrying crowing and laughing calls often reveal its presence; regu-

larly calls after sunset. Steady hah hah…or haáh, haáh..., about 1 note/sec, or a

slightly slower wáko, wáko,...; series can be prolonged, sometimes breaking in

maniacal laughing cackles. Also a softer, conversational hah, repeated irregularly. Cf. Collared Forest Fal-

con (p. 130). STATUS: Uncommon to fairly common on both slopes, to 1800m. (Mexico to S America.)

RED-THROATED CARACARA  Ibycter americanus 54–64cm, WS 97–115cm.

Rare in humid lowland forest, adjacent plantations and semi-open areas with

taller trees; more often heard than seen. Mostly in pairs at mid–upper levels; can

be very noisy. Food mainly arboreal wasp larvae, palm fruits. Flight direct with

unhurried wingbeats mainly below body plane; does not soar. No visually simi-

lar species, but calls can suggest macaws. Note large size and long tail, colorful

face and bill, white belly. Imm. has duller eye and facial skin. SOUNDS: Loud and

raucous; ear-splitting when close overhead. Semi-metallic crowing kyah-kyah-

kahrr and variations; hoarse braying screeches; deep throaty rrah in flight can

suggest Scarlet Macaw. STATUS: Rare and local on both slopes, to 1200m; formerly widespread in lowlands,

having largely disappeared from much of its Middle American range in past 40–50 years for reasons

unknown. (Honduras to S America.)

YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA  Milvago chimachima 41–46cm, WS 81–

95cm. Open and semi-open country, towns, forest edge, often along rivers.

Singles and pairs, sometimes small groups, feed mostly on ground, walking

confidently. Flies directly with steady loose wingbeats, glides and soars on

cupped wings. Distinctive, with pale buffy head and underparts, big pale wing

panels; cf. Laughing Falcon, which has very different habits. Juv. has variable

dark streaking and barring on head and underparts, like adult in 2nd year.

SOUNDS: Varied loud screams, at times in short series, often rather hoarse and

unpleasant: range from clearer wailing heeéahr to rasping downslurred sheeáhrr.

STATUS: Fairly common to common on s. Pacific slope, uncommon to fairly common elsewhere, mainly

below 1500m. Expanding range with deforestation, first recorded Costa Rica in 1970s. (Nicaragua to S

America.)

CRESTED CARACARA  Caracara plancus 48–59cm, WS 115–132cm. Large

striking scavenger, widespread in fairly open country, especially ranchland and

marshes with scattered trees. Note white head and breast with black cap,

brightly colored face, long yellow legs. Flight pattern distinctive, with big white

wing panels, white tail tipped black. Flies with steady strong wingbeats; soars

occasionally. Often seen as singles and pairs in early morning on ‘highway

patrol,’ looking for roadkill to scavenge, when associates readily with vultures

and walks confidently on ground. Juv. has similar pattern to adult but browner

overall with streaked (not barred) breast, duller face; 2nd-year like duller,

messier version of adult. SOUNDS:  Often silent; throaty clucks and creaky rattles given mainly in

interactions, with head thrown backwards. STATUS: Common on n. Pacific slope; uncommon to fairly

common (increasing with deforestation) elsewhere on both slopes, mainly below 1500m. (Mexico and s.

US to S America.)