This is Bird No.

In Northwestern Belize, a long, upward slope leads to a clearing at the edge of an

escarpment.

This rocky outcropping offers a sweeping view of the tropical forest below.

As the morning sun causes warm air to rise, a pair of white hawks soars into view, the

male calling.

In flight, a white hawk is shaped like a compact red-tailed hawk.

Sparkling white overall with black markings, its plumage is striking for a hawk.

The pair scans below for reptile prey.

A diminutive dark falcon, a bat falcon, swoops in, a lighting on a bear branch.

Its blue-black head is patterned like a paragrin falcons.

The white upper breast contrasts with a darkly barged chest and cinnamon belly.

This 10-inch falcon hunts on the wing, chasing down swifts, dragonflies, and the bats that give it its name.

Now, a rhythmic cry draws attention to a large raptor.

An ornate hawk eagle perched at the forest edge with a spider monkey in its talons.

More than two feet tall, the hawk eagles head and neck are handsomely patterned in black

white and rust below a tall black crest.

Its underparts are finely barred in black and white.

It's still morning.

What splendid raptor might show up next.

For bird note, I'm Ariana Rimmel.