Identification

Orange-breasted is a medium-sized falcon with a large, massive bill and huge, heavy tarsi and feet relative to its size (females only). Superficially similar to the smaller Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis); see Similar Species.

Orange-breasted Falcon is very similar in appearance to the much more common Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis). Structural clues are helpful in identification; Orange-breasted Falcon has a proportionately larger head and bill, and much larger feet . Although Orange-breasted is larger than Bat Falcon, relative size can be difficult to judge when viewing a lone bird. Adult Orange-breasted Falcons have a dark black head and blackish back with feathers edged in blue gray. The pure white throat contrasts with a broad band of orange rufous across the upper breast that extends up behind the auriculars. The underparts show a black vest that is coarsely patterned with prominent markings of ochre to white, which are especially visible on the flanks. The lower belly, undertail coverts, and tarsus are orange-rufous. See Detailed Description.

In addition, some South American Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus cassini) may have some reddish-orange/salmon coloration on the upper breast. Facial patterns of Peregrine Falcons vary considerably, from the vertical malar stripe of Falco peregrinus tundrius to the almost complete black helmet of northern cassini, similar to that of Orange-breasted Falcon but lacking the distinctive crescent. Note, however, the adult Orange-breasted Falcon's more contrasting barred vest and the full orange coloration on the crop that wraps up behind the auriculars. Juvenile Peregrines can appear surprisingly similar to juvenile Orange-breasted Falcons in both plumage and structure. As with adults, note Orange-breasted Falcon's facial pattern with the ochre coloration from the breast extending in the shape of a crescent to behind the auriculars. Neither subspecies of Peregrine Falcon is a bird of the tropical forest, but migrating tundrius may be considered ubiquitous in Central and South America. The northern range of cassini extends into the open dry woodlands of Ecuador and Bolivia where it is considered rare. Falco peregrinus cassini has not been found in the Amazon Basin (Clayton White, personal communication).

Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) also superficially is similar to Orange-breasted Falcons. Aplomado Falcons differ in having a boldly contrasting pale supercilium and pale forecrown. They are much slimmer, with long thin legs and much smaller feet. In flight, Aplomado Falcons appear much longer-winged and longer-tailed.