Laughing Falcon a bird of pray
These include hawks, eagles, kites, falcons, caracaras and the osprey, all of which hunt for food and are collectively called raptors. About 50 species have been recorded in Costa Rica, and many are hard to tell apart because of similar plumage and flight. Being hunters, they rely on stealth and speed, which makes them hard to observe closely; identification is difficult without binoculars. Raptors are, however common throughout the country. Laughing Falcons are among the most frequently seen and easily identified ones.
The laughing falcon (guaco; Herpetotheres cachinnans) looks like a large, slightly paler, yellow-headed caracara with a broad black stripe through the eye and a striped black and pale-buff tale. It is fairly common in the lowlands. Its calls are loud and varied, with the most frequently heard being a hollow 'wah-co' (the pronunciation of its Spanish name) repeated many times, especially at dusk, when it sound rather eerie. It perches high and searches for snakes.
Pictures by Angela and Jörn Malek. The team of 1-CostaRicaLink wishes you the best of times in our little paradise called Costa Rica.
Text by Lonely Planet. To buy the complete book
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