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[[Image:Collared Forest-falcon.JPG]]

'''Common Name:''' Collared Forest-falcon<br>
'''Scientific Name:''' Micrastur semitorquatus

'''Size:''' 18.1-22 inches (46-56 cm); '''Wingspan:''' 31 inches (79 cm)

'''Habitat:''' Central and South America; Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela.

It prefers humid lowland rainforest but can be found in semi-deciduous, deciduous and riparian forests in the more arid parts of its range. It often occurs in pairs, regardless of the season. It is inactive when not hunting and may rest lengthwise on a branch similar to a nightjar.

'''Status:''' Least Concern. '''Global population:''' 500,000-5,000,000 individuals.  The population is declining owing to habitat loss and degradation.

'''Diet:''' Large lizards, snakes, rodents, birds (up to the size of guans and ibises), and large insects. This species reportedly preys on domestic chickens.

It hunts by ambush from a concealed perch, by flying from perch to perch, by running along large branches, or even running on the ground with amazing speed and agility. It hunts at dawn and dusk, made possible by its large eyes and possibly a well-developed sense of hearing. 

'''Nesting:'''  Females are noticeably larger than males. It is a distinctive species, with three color morphs: pale, dark and tawny. The pale and tawny morphs exhibit the pale collar across the back of the neck for which the species is named; this collar contrasts strongly with the black upperparts. All have yellow legs and feet, bare facial skin is dull green-grey and iris is brown.

They are cavity nesters and the nests have usually more than one entrance. Nest 12-20 meter above ground in large mature trees. One brood with a clutch of 2-3 eggs, incubated for about 46 days. The young fledge after about 48 days and are fed for one more month. After this month other adults start feeding the young and the natural parents disappear.

'''Cool Facts:'''  This Forest-falcon has been known to follow swarms of army ants to capture invertebrates flushed by the ants.


'''This 3D model is found in [http://hivewire3d.com/songbird-remix-birds-of-prey-vol-1-kestrels-hobbys-falcons.html Songbird Remix Birds of Prey Volume I: Kestrels, Hobbies and Falcons]'''