Black-faced Hawk!

The first time that I 'met' this fellow was during a hike on the river cabin trail. While minding my own business, I suddenly saw something white passing by, high up in the trees. As it didn't made any sound I had to carefully check and find out for myself what it was. 

It was a Black-faced Hawk (Leucopternis melanops), an inside forest bird and also a still hunter. This explains why it also goes unnoticed when one is walking through the forest without ever seeing him. It can perched for quite some time between the dense vegetation, most likely looking for food.

Their favorite meals: small reptiles, amphibians and small (ant)birds. It isn't afraid or shy to appear in front of you the moment it has its eyes set on a target (his food). One time it even surprised me, when it landed right in front of me to catch an Amazon whiptail (Ameiva ameiva). 

Due to its size, 31 - 43 cm, it even had more advantage to stay under the radar. It will only 'reveal' itself when flying over to another spot. That is the moment you see something white flying by. Under its wings are only immaculate white feathers. 

Thanks to its 'smokey-eye' look, it is also known as the Black-faced Hawk. 

I followed the Black-faced Hawk with its prey for quite some time. As you can see, it can balance pretty well on one foot while holding its meal with the other. 


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