Jun 29

Bird of the day

Spot-winged falconet

Spiziapteryx circumcincta

The spot-winged falconet (Spiziapteryx circumcincta) is a species of bird of prey in subfamily Falconinae of family Falconidae, the falcons and caracaras. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and possibly Uruguay.

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.

Aliases

Spiziapteryx circumcincta, Spizapteryx circumcinctus

Range

Range map of Spot-winged falconet