The Laughing Falcon is a distinctive medium-sized raptor named for its loud, human-like laughing call. It is a specialized snake-eater, found across a wide range of tropical and subtropical Americas.
Where to spot
Tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, and savannas from southern Mexico through Central America and much of South America. Prefers edge habitats.
How to spot
Listen for its unmistakable laughing call, particularly around sunrise or sunset. Look for it perched conspicuously on high branches or snags, often surveying for snakes on the ground. Its black mask and pale plumage are key identifiers.
When to spot
Active during the day, often heard more than seen, especially at dawn and dusk. Observable year-round within its resident range.
Where to spot
Tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, and savannas from southern Mexico through Central America and much of South America. Prefers edge habitats.
How to spot
Listen for its unmistakable laughing call, particularly around sunrise or sunset. Look for it perched conspicuously on high branches or snags, often surveying for snakes on the ground. Its black mask and pale plumage are key identifiers.
When to spot
Active during the day, often heard more than seen, especially at dawn and dusk. Observable year-round within its resident range.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
This falcon is one of the most specialized snake predators among raptors, often hunting venomous snakes, and is known to remove the heads of its prey before consuming them.
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