Bat Falcon
The Bat Falcon is a small, agile raptor found in tropical lowlands from Mexico to Argentina, recognized by its dark slate-gray upperparts, rufous thighs and vent, and remarkable hunting prowess as it captures bats, swallows, and other birds in swift aerial pursuits at dawn and dusk.
Falco rufigularis
Scientific Name
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
Family
Falconiformes
Order
F. r. petoensis
Subspecies. Mexico to Nicaragua
F. r. rufigularis
Subspecies. Costa Rica to Brazil and northern Argentina
F. r. ophryophanes
Subspecies. Eastern Brazil
Range and Habitat of Bat Falcon
Geographic Range
Southern Mexico through Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, northern Argentina
Migratory Patterns
Non-migratory resident. May show local movements following prey abundance.
Preferred Habitat
Forest edges, clearings, rivers, secondary growth, semi-open areas with scattered tall trees, coastal areas, urban parks with large trees
Altitude Range
Most common below 1,000 m, occasionally to 1,500 m
Costa Rica Habitat
Both Caribbean and Pacific slopes from sea level to middle elevations
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Population Status
Costa Rica population estimated at 500-1,000 pairs
Deforestation reducing nesting sites, pesticide use affecting prey populations
Conservation efforts
Protected under CITES Appendix II
Primary Threats
Deforestation reducing nesting sites, pesticide use affecting prey populations
Bat Falcon Identification
How to Identify the Species
Rarity Level:
UncommonBest Viewing Times:
Early Morning (Dawn - 8 AM), Evening (Dusk)
Size
Length: 23-30 cm; Weight: Males 108-140 g; Females 150-205 g
Plumage
Adults: Head black with distinctive white throat and collar extending to sides of neck. Upper breast black, continuing from head. Lower breast and belly rufous-orange with fine black barring. Back and wings slate-black. Tail black with narrow white bars. Undertail coverts rufous. White “eyebrow” line behind eye.
Distinctive Features
Sharp, hooked bill (13-15 mm) with distinct falcon “tooth”, yellow-orange cere and orbital ring in adults, white throat
Sexual Dimorphism
Females approximately 30-35% heavier and slightly larger than males. No plumage differences between sexes.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Primary Diet
- Bats, swallows, swifts, tanagers, flycatchers, hummingbirds, dragonflies, beetles, moths, cicadas
Foraging Techniques
- Crepuscular hunting specialist (dawn and dusk), hunts from exposed perches on dead snags and catches prey in flight with talons
Feeding Times
- Peak activity 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after (17:00-18:30) and dawn (5:00-6:30)
Behavior Patterns
Bat Falcon
Social Structure
Usually in pairs maintaining year-round territories, with family groups during breeding season
Song and Vocalization
High-pitched “klee-klee-klee-klee” or “killy-killy-killy”
Courtship and Mating Ritual
Spectacular aerial displays with dives and loops, male performs food passes to female in flight
Territoriality
Defends territory of 2-5 km² year-round; aggressive toward other raptors near nest
Birdwatching Tips
Best Locations for Spotting Bat Falcon
- Carara National Park (bridge area at dusk)
- La Selva Biological Station (river edges)
- Tortuguero National Park (main channels at twilight)
- Manuel Antonio National Park (beach forest edges)
- Sarapiquí River bridges at dusk
- Tárcoles Bridge area
- Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
- Any major river with forested edges at twilight
Best Time of the Year
Year-round, but most active and visible March-May during breeding
Common Behavior
Search exposed dead snags near water at dusk, listen for high-pitched calls at twilight
Recommended Gear
- 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars with good low-light performance
- Camera with fast autofocus and high ISO capability
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Breeding Season
February-June, peak March-April (dry to early wet season)
Nesting Sites
They do not build their own nest, but use old nests of other birds (caracaras, hawks). Natural tree cavities 10-30 m high, cliff ledges where available
Clutch Size
2-4 eggs (usually 3)
Incubation Period
29-32 days
Parental Care
Female primarily incubates; male provides food. Both parents feed young. Fledging at 35-40 days. Post-fledging dependency 4-6 weeks while young learn to hunt.
Did You Know?
Interesting Behaviors
Bat Falcon can catch up to 5 bats in succession, storing them in crop before eating
Surprising Traits
They can reach speeds over 150 km/h during hunting dives, and have specialized jaw muscles allowing them to quickly decapitate bat prey in flight
How do I identify this bird?
Look for a small, compact falcon with distinctive white throat and collar contrasting with black head and upper breast, rufous-orange barred underparts, and long pointed wings. The white throat collar is diagnostic. Most active at twilight.
Where is the best place to see it in Costa Rica?
Bridges over rivers like the Tárcoles Bridge or Sarapiquí River bridges at dusk offer excellent viewing. La Selva Biological Station and Carara National Park bridge area are particularly reliable. Position yourself 30 minutes before sunset.
Is it endangered?
No, listed as Least Concern with stable populations. Protected under CITES Appendix II. Adapts reasonably well to human-modified landscapes as long as tall trees and prey remain available.