Orange-breasted Falcon
EN

Orange-breasted Falcon

Falco deiroleucus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange-breasted_falcon

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Orange-breasted Falcon faces severe population decline primarily due to widespread deforestation throughout its range, which eliminates the tall emergent trees essential for nesting and hunting perches. Illegal capture for the falconry trade poses an additional significant threat, as this species is highly prized for its striking appearance and hunting prowess. Human disturbance at nest sites, particularly from logging activities and infrastructure development, frequently causes breeding failures in this already rare raptor.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Orange-breasted Falcon inhabits lowland and montane tropical forests, requiring tall emergent trees that extend above the main canopy for nesting and as hunting perches. This species shows a strong preference for primary forest edges and clearings where it can effectively hunt for birds and bats from prominent vantage points.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Falconidae

Peregrine Falcon (eurasian)VU

Peregrine Falcon (eurasian)

Falco peregrinus

Unknown
Aplomado FalconVU

Aplomado Falcon

Falco femoralis

Unknown
Eurasian HobbyCR

Eurasian Hobby

Falco subbuteo

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Orange-breasted Falcon classified as Endangered?
Orange-breasted Falcon is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Orange-breasted Falcon faces severe population decline primarily due to widespread deforestation throughout its range, which eliminates the tall emergent trees essential for nesting and hunting perches. Illegal capture for the falconry trade poses an additional significant threat, as this species is highly prized for its striking appearance and hunting prowess. Human disturbance at nest sites, particularly from logging activities and infrastructure development, frequently causes breeding failures in this already rare raptor.
Where does Orange-breasted Falcon live?
Orange-breasted Falcon occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Orange-breasted Falcon?
The main threats to Orange-breasted Falcon are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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