Spiziapteryx circumcincta (Kaup, 1852)

Size Measurements

The spot-winged falconet, Spiziapteryx circumcincta (Kaup, 1852), measures 25 to 31 cm (9.8 to 12 in) in length, weighs 149 to 249 g (5.3 to 8.8 oz), and has a wingspan of 47 to 58 cm (19 to 23 in). Females average about 8% heavier than males.

Plumage Sexual Dimorphism

The sexes look identical, and juvenile individuals have the same plumage as full-grown adults.

Body Shape

This species has a stocky build, relatively short wings, and a fairly long tail.

Dorsal Coloration

Its head, back, and wings are grayish brown, with white spots on the wings and shoulders and a white rump.

Facial Markings

It has a pale supercilium that extends onto the neck, black ear coverts, and a narrow black "moustache" marking.

Ventral Coloration

Its throat is white; its breast, flanks, and upper belly are grayish with narrow brown streaks, and its lower belly is white.

Tail Feather Pattern

The central tail feathers are dark, while the rest of the tail feathers are dark with white bars and white tips.

Soft Part Coloration

Its iris is pale yellow, its cere and lores are rich yellow, and its legs and feet range from cream to yellow.

Confirmed Distribution Range

The spot-winged falconet occurs from Bolivia's Santa Cruz Department, south through Paraguay, into Argentina as far south as Río Negro Province.

Unconfirmed Uruguay Occurrence

Sightings in Uruguay have not been confirmed by photographs or specimens, so the South American Classification Committee of the American Ornithological Society classifies the species as hypothetical in Uruguay.

Habitat Preferences

This falconet lives in the Gran Chaco region, primarily occupying open landscapes including savanna and semi-arid woodlands, all of which are defined by scrubland with scattered trees.

Elevation Range

In terms of elevation, its range extends from sea level to roughly 750 m (2,500 ft), and it is thought to be most abundant between 100 and 500 m (300 and 1,600 ft).