Costa Rica Falcon

[GKersh]

Spotted this in Tortuguero in April. Any ideas? It was a decent distance away, but looked quite small for a Peregrine Falcon - I've seen those many times in the US, Europe, etc - and just looked a lot smaller. Can't really tell what type of bird it's caught to gauge the size - there were warblers, flycatchers, all sorts all over. Thought it could possibly be a Merlin or Aplomado Falcon but those apparently are very rare in that area, and the face marking makes me think it's probably not a forest-falcon. Immature Peregrine? Would love to hear thoughts/opinions. 

[aveschapinas]

Aplomado Faclon was actually my first thought seeing the photo, but I've only seen it once (they're rare here too). Face somehow dosn't look quite right for Peregrine?? Did you get a look at his front, by chance?

[GKersh]

I didn't see the front, I saw it on the tree from the angle in the photo - then it flew straight the other way. I agree, I've seen quite a few Peregrines, just seemed smaller, more slender (flying too), face seemed a bit different.

[aveschapinas]

Is that a Lesser Goldfinch it's snacking on? That would suggest it's pretty small.

[GKersh]

One more photo, slightly different. Last one I have.

[aveschapinas]

That's looking a little more Peregrine-y to me. I hope someone with more experience comes by!

[The Bird Nuts]

For what it's worth, if I saw that here I'd call it a Merlin.  It's not bulky enough and it doesn't have enough light tail bands to be a Peregrine.  I don't have any experience with Aplomados, however.

[birdbrain22]

Merlin for me.

 

[aveschapinas]

I haven't seen a Merlin, but it seems good to me. That face on the last one doesn't look like Aplomado to me.

[Keith Hansen]

Merlin for sure. The prey item, I am not sure about but it is not a Lesser Goldfinch, as the tail would be much shorter with large white tail spots. I might lean toward a 'winter plumage' Western Tanager, or perhaps a Social Flycatcher.