southern caracara
A distant relative of the falcon, the southern caracara is a predator that feeds on a huge variety of animals. They also accompany vultures on flights in search of carrion.
834g to 953g
50cm to 60cm
15 years in the wild
Important data
MAIN FEATURES
Easily recognizable by its red face, a black top of head, and a curved, high beak. Its chest is brown with black stripes. When they fly, they look like vultures.
TOP THREATS
Often run over on highways and roads when feeding on roadkill.
DIET
Almost everything you can imagine - live animals, dead animals, garbage produced by humans, lizards, snakes, frogs, snails, infant mammals, and other birds. They follow tractors in search of earthworms and larvae.REPRODUCTION
They build nests in tall trees and can use other birds' nests. The female lays two to three eggs, but the parents only raise one chick per season.BEHAVIOR
● Often seen on the ground, next to fires, and along roads.
● Excellent flyers and gliders.
● Daytime predators that like to hunt crustaceans in mangroves, chase seagulls and ospreys to steal their prey in flight.
TRIVIA
Their name comes from the call they make to communicate with partners and other southern caracara
Geographical distribution
EXISTING
Conservation status
LC
