The cryptic forest falcon (Micrastur mintoni) is a species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae.

While uncommon in its Amazonian range, it remains widespread and is therefore rated as least concern by BirdLife International and IUCN.

[2] M. mintoni is lightly sexually dimorphic, with females having a slightly higher weight range, and bolder ventral barring.

While it closely resembles its congeners, it can be distinguished by its distinctive vocalizations, as well as slight morphological difference.

[5] There are two known populations of the cryptic forest falcon, the first of which is throughout southeastern Amazonia, from north-east Bolivia to Para, Brazil.

[2][5] A disjunct population, thought to be potentially extinct until its rediscovery in 2012 exists in the Atlantic Rainforest of eastern South America.

[2][6] Its quacking call is least often heard, and consists of loud "uuk, qui, qua-qua" notes.

[2] It is also believed to prey on small birds, as one individual emerged to a recording of the rufous-necked puffbird.

[2] While little information is known about its hunting strategy, it is believed to be similar to that of its congeners; watching from low perches in the understory, emerging to seize prey.

[2] This is also supported by possible damage from a nesting cavity in a female specimen collected in early June.

[5] The density of this species is believed to be similar to that of the lined forest falcon, at 1 pair per 20–67 hectares.

An analysis of forest cover change from 2000 to 2012 showed that this species lost 22% of its habitat within three generations, leading some to believe it should be considered globally Near Threatened.

[2][5] The population in the Atlantic rainforest was believed to be critical or extinct upon the species classification, due to habitat loss in that region, as well as no specimens being collected after 1933 (originally classified as lined forest falcons, later recognized as cryptic forest falcons).

[3] Museum specimens verified that it also slightly differed from other members of the genus in physical characteristics.