forest falcon primarily inhabits the Lowland terra firme forests of South America. A habitat characterized by its tall trees and dense, diverse understory. It also frequents the Várzea forest, a seasonally flooded forest with a bamboo understory. A population also exists in the Atlantic Rainforest of eastern South America. Distribution This species has a wide distribution throughout South America, and is believed to occur over 19,300,000 km². There are two known populations of the cryptic forest falcon, the first of which is throughout southeastern Amazonia, from north-east Bolivia to Para, Brazil. A disjunct population, thought to be potentially extinct until its rediscovery in 2012 exists in the Atlantic Rainforest of eastern South America. The status of this population is not currently known, and is likely critical. Behavior Vocalizations The cryptic forest falcon is most recognizable for its vocalizations, primarily its distinctive song. This song consists of a series of "uk uk uk uk" notes, at one note per second. This song usually lasts for 1-1.5 minutes. This song is used to alert others of its territory. In addition to its song, the forest-falcon has two calls. The first of which, is its cackling call. This call is a series of short "ca ca ca ca-ca-ca notes, with the last three notes closer together, and dropping in pitch throughout. Its quacking call is least often heard, and consists of loud "uuk, qui, qua-qua" notes. The cryptic forest falcon is typically heard at dawn. However occasionally it can be heard later in the morning during dry season. It is less often heard just before dusk. Diet and Hunting Strategy Diet The cryptic forest falcon is believed to be a generalist. It is known to prey on reptiles and invertebrates. It is also believed to prey on small birds, as one individual emerged to a recording of the rufous-necked puffbird. Hunting Strategy While little information is known about its hunting strategy, it is believed to be similar to that of its congeners; watching from low perches in the understory, emerging to seize prey. Breeding Very little information is known about the cryptic forest falcons breeding behavior. It is believed to nest in the wet season (December-May), as it molts remiges from April-August. This is also supported by possible damage from a nesting cavity in a female specimen collected in early June. It is presumed to breed in cavities as do other forest-falcons. M.