bird, it is widespread north of the Amazon River. Its occurrence south of the Amazon is controversial due to possible confusion with L. kuhli which occurs there. However, the consensus on the range limits for L. melanops is from lowland Peru north of the Amazon and northeastern Ecuador to Venezuela, southern Colombia, Brazil north of the Amazon and the Guyanas. First sightings south of the Amazon In 1931, Amadon (1964) reported the first sighting of one L. melanops near the lower Tapajós River. This observation was the first indication that L. melanops and L. kuhli could co-occur and that the true range of L. melanops included the southern part of the Amazon. However this sighting remains controversial due to the lack of similar sightings following this report and due to the morphological similarities between both species which could lead to a mistaken identification. Habitat The black-faced hawk's preferred habitat is within the tall lowland forest of the Amazon. It may also reside amongst the forest edges, along rivers and mangroves. Behaviour The black-faced hawk prefers to remain under forest cover but due to its occurrence near the forest edge, it may perch there and commonly-so in the morning. Flight It has not been seen soaring during flight. Instead, it will glide shortly followed by fast wing beats. Vocalizations The voice call is a piercing, acute and descending whistle: “KEEuuu” or “KEEler” or “KEEyer". Diet Very little information has been recorded on the diet of the black-faced hawk. Although it is assumed that the raptor must have a similar diet to that of the birds in its genus. snakes and other reptiles are the main prey of all Leucopternis species and hence possibly the main diet for the black-faced hawk as well. Reproduction Currently, no direct observations have been reported on the reproductive behaviour of the species. However, it is assumed that this behaviour will resemble that of most species within the genus Leucopternis. Among this genus, raptors make a stick nest in the canopy of a tree and both parents share parental care by incubating the eggs for a period of five weeks. References External links Photo--Medium Res; Article birdtours.co.uk Photo-Medium Res; Article sunbirdtours–"Amazon-Junglaven Camp" Black-faced hawk vocalizations Range map of the Black-faced hawk Videos of the Black-faced hawk perched black-faced hawk Birds of the Amazon Basin Birds of the Guianas Birds of Venezuela Birds of Colombia Birds of Ecuador