Aplomado Falcon vs Orange-breasted Falcon

In short

The Aplomado Falcon and the Orange-breasted Falcon can be distinguished by their plumage and habitat preferences. The Aplomado Falcon has a striking black and white facial pattern with a distinct white supercilium, while the Orange-breasted Falcon has a rich orange breast and lacks the pronounced facial markings. Both species are similar in size but differ in their preferred habitats.

Identification tips

1. Look for the white supercilium on the Aplomado Falcon. 2. Note the orange breast of the Orange-breasted Falcon. 3. Consider the habitat: open areas for Aplomado, forests for Orange-breasted. 4. Observe the facial pattern: distinct in Aplomado, less so in Orange-breasted.

Size

Both species are similar in size, with the Aplomado Falcon being slightly more slender.

Plumage

The Aplomado Falcon features a black and white facial pattern with a bold white supercilium and a slate-gray back. In contrast, the Orange-breasted Falcon has a rich orange breast and a darker, less distinct facial pattern.

Behaviour

Both species are agile fliers, but the Aplomado Falcon is more often seen hunting in open areas, while the Orange-breasted Falcon tends to hunt in forested regions.

Habitat

The Aplomado Falcon prefers open grasslands and savannas, whereas the Orange-breasted Falcon is typically found in tropical forests and wooded areas.