The monosyllabic calls, rather harsh and high-pitched, heard in the wild derives from the Spiziapteryx circumcincta.  S. circumcincta is commonly known as the Spot-Winged Falconet.  It is a member of the family Falconidae and sub family of Falconinae, which includes falcons, falconets, and kestrels.  Spot-Winged Falconet is a unique member of the genus Spiziapteryx, however, it is also categorized with different species.  S. circumcincta vocalizations are loud, guttural or nasal, barking calls; accompanied with postures and gestures.

 

Adult S. circumcincta have a greyish-brown back, head, and wings, a white tail, and a white rump.  They have strongly hooked bills, sharply curved talons, and excellent eyesight.  The Spot-Winged Falconet got its common name after an important physical identifying characteristic: the shoulder and upper wing are conspicuously spotted white.  The most important identifying characteristic of S. circumcincta, which distinguishes them from class Falconiformes is its method of hunting.  Another identifying characteristic already mentioned prior in this research paper is its bird calls.  It is not one of those beautiful, melodic bird songs heard in the morning or the ‘tweet’ ‘tweet’ heard in movies when someone gets knocked out. 

 

S. circumcincta lives in diverse habitats and areas of the world.  For example, they live in Eastern Bolivia, through northern and central Argentina (south to Rio), Paraguay, and Uruguay.  They commonly live in lowlands and inhabits savannas and dry forests, especially mesquites.  The population of S. circumcincta is estimated to be around 5,000.  However, the population trend is unknown and Spot-Winged Falconets are classified to be under status ‘Lower Risk.’

 

Unlike members of the Falconiformes, the Spot-Winged Falconet, same as other parcels of the Falconinae, uses its mouth to capture prey, not its talons, hence, it has a ‘tooth.’ Spot-Winged Falconets are omnivores and feed on large insects, lizards, and small birds.  For example they commonly eats grasshoppers, cicadas, and young Monk Parakeets.  They fly perch to perch, using low flight, always fairly close to the ground and hunt during the day. 

 

S. circumcincta are amazing creatures that are very unique.  Even though they are not endangered, we should help preserve their habitats.  According to (http://globalraptors.org/grin/SpeciesResults.asp?specID=8080 ) the Spot-Winged Falconet is not a well-known species, and is a prefect research for a graduate. More research needs to be done in order to understand their habitat and breeding requirements.  Human induced activities that lead to the death of these creatures are hunting, road kill, animal traps, and electrocutions.  I have learned that S. circumcincta are very interesting; the most interesting fact about them is that they are named after a physical characteristic.  

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Author:

Published: 02/2013

 

Sources:

"Spot-winged Falconet (Spiziapteryx Circumcincta) - Neotropical Birds." Overview -. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2014.

"Spot-winged Falconet." Spot-winged Falconet. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2014.

"Spot-winged Falconet." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 01 Dec. 2014. Web. 08 Feb. 2014.