The Laughing FalconHerpetotheres cachinnans, also called the Snake Hawk (erroneously, since it is not a hawk), is a medium-sized bird of prey in the falcon family (Falconidae), the only member of the genus Herpetotheres. This Neotropical species is a specialist snake-eater. Its common and scientific names both refer to its distinctive voice. Its English name comes from its loud voice, as does the specific name cachinnans, Latin for "laughing aloud" or "laughing immoderately". The genus name Herpetotheres refers to its preferred food; it is Latinized Ancient Greek derived from [h]erpeton (ἑρπετόν, "reptile") + therizein (θερίζειν, "to mow down").
These photos were taken at the Selva Verde Biological Station and at the Hangng Bridges near the Arenal Observatory. The 300 to 500 series were taken at Palo Verde National Park.