I was not expecting to see this species but got to see it twice. This impressive adult Ornate Hawk-Eagle came off its nest, calling loudly and perched in nearby trees. It is a rare resident of rainforests, but relatively little seems to be known of its life history. Its diet reportedly consists of lizards and birds. In Belize it is confined to the interior avoiding coastal areas.
Two races are recognized, but only one in Central America. The nominate race which is brighter rufous on the side of the neck and chest replaces it in South America east of the Andes.
Digiscoped with Panasonic DMC-LZ5 | Nikon FieldScope III | 30XWA | hand-held (no adapter)