Bird Overview
Caracara plancus is a large, striking predator bird native to Central and South America. Its range extends into the southern United States, including Arizona, Texas and Florida. Caracaras, unlike many raptors, are seen foraging on the ground with a similar scavenger behaviour to vultures. They can adapt to a variety of habitats, including open grasslands, savannas and areas disturbed by humans. For more information, see our guide on birds of prey.
The size of adult Caracaras is impressive. They measure between 50-65cm (20-26inches) and have a wingspan ranging from 120-132cm (47-52inches). The caracaras can weigh anywhere between 0.9 kg and 1.6kg (2.0 to 3.5 pounds). Individuals from the colder south are usually larger, following Bergmann’s Rule. The gyrfalcon is the largest falcon in the world, based on average body mass. The plumage of the gyrfalcon is a mixture of browns with buff-white bars. It also has distinctive markings, such as a dark cap, a pale head, and can change colours depending on how it feels. The juveniles are paler, have more streaking and grey legs. Their facial skin changes colour as they grow.
The large, pale patches that cover the outer feathers of their wings create an obvious “window effect”. The bright orange to yellow legs and skin on their faces add to the boldness of this bird. Understanding their behaviour and their appearance enhances their unique role within ecosystems. It also helps birdwatchers to identify and respect intelligent, adaptable raptors.
Habitat
The Caracaras can be found throughout the Americas. Its range extends from Tierra del Fuego, at the southernmost tip of South America, all the way up to the southern United States, including Texas, Florida and Arizona. The Caracaras are found in Mexico, Central America and parts of the Caribbean such as Aruba and Curacao. It avoids dense rainforests and high altitudes of the Andes but thrives in semi-open and open habitats like grasslands, savannas and scrublands. The lizard is often found near human settlements where food resources are more plentiful.
The adaptability of this bird has allowed it to expand its range over the past few years. It is now occasionally seen as far north as parts of Canada and northern U.S. States. These sightings in the north are rare and usually involve individuals rather than established groups. However, they show that this species is flexible and willing to explore new environments. Birdwatchers and nature lovers can learn where to find this rare raptor by understanding its preference for open terrains and tolerance of human presence.
Behavior
The Caracara, a raptor that is unusually bold and opportunistic, can often be seen walking along the ground to find food. It is a scavenger, unlike many other birds of prey. It feeds on carrion and often steals food from birds like vultures and ibises. When possible, it will also take live prey, such as insects, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, or even fish and crabs. The caracara has been seen following wildfires and vehicles, as well as farm machinery. They can survive in many different environments due to their intelligence and adaptability.
Caracaras are usually solitary but may form groups when food is plentiful, like at landfills or large corpses. Breeding habits are different in each region. Nests can be found high up in palm trees or trees, but they can also be on the ground. Nests are large and open, with two to three eggs in each clutch. They are one of the most versatile and fascinating raptors of the Americas because of their resourcefulness. Understanding the caracara’s habits is a great way to observe their amazing behaviour. According to RSPB, this species is well documented.
Food
Breeding
Conservation
The Caracara can be found in many parts of Central and South America. However, it is rare in the United States, where populations are concentrated in Texas, Florida and Arizona. The species is threatened in these U.S. areas, especially Florida, due to its limited range and vulnerability to habitat loss. Researchers may find it difficult to accurately monitor the species’ numbers due to difficulties in accessing breeding grounds. The broader data on population growth is more encouraging. According to Audubon Society, this species is well documented.
The Caracaras, which are estimated to number 2.2 million, are a species of low concern for conservation. Despite this, the habitat requirements of caracaras, particularly for nesting purposes, are still being impacted by land development and fragmentation. Caracaras are surprisingly adaptable to altered landscapes. They may be able to benefit from the foraging opportunities that exist around landfills, poultry farms, and ranches. Long-term conservation relies on nesting sites being protected and open habitats being maintained. Supporting habitat protection and responsible land management is important for those who are interested in bird conservation. This will ensure the success of this unique, adaptable raptor.
Risks / Threats
The Caracaras can be found in many parts of Central and South America. However, it is rare in the United States, where populations are concentrated in Texas, Florida and Arizona. The species is threatened in these U.S. areas, especially Florida, due to its limited range and vulnerability to habitat loss. Researchers may find it difficult to accurately monitor the species’ numbers due to difficulties in accessing breeding grounds. The broader data on population growth is more encouraging.
The Caracaras, which are estimated to number 2.2 million, are a species of low concern for conservation. Despite this, the habitat requirements of caracaras, especially those for nesting and breeding, are still being impacted by land development. Caracaras are surprisingly adaptable to altered landscapes. They may be able to benefit from the foraging opportunities that exist around landfills, poultry farms, and ranches. Long-term conservation relies on nesting sites being protected and open habitats being maintained. Supporting habitat protection and responsible land management is important for those who are interested in bird conservation. This will ensure the success of this unique, adaptable raptor.
The Caracaras’ most southern species (the Striated Caracara) inhabits the Falkland Islands and Tierra del Fuego, just off the coast of the southernmost tip of South America.
The species are:
- M. chimachima Vieillot, 1816 – Yellow-headed CaracaraM. chimango Vieillot, 1816 – Chimango Caracara
- M. chimachima Vieillot, 1816 – Yellow-headed CaracaraM. chimango Vieillot, 1816 – Chimango Caracara
- Genus Daptrius
- D. ater Vieillot, 1816 – Black Caracara
- Genus Ibycter
- I. americanus Boddaert, 1783 – Red-throated Caracara (formerly in Daptrius)
- Genus Phalcoboenus
- P. carunculatus Des Murs, 1853 – Carunculated CaracaraP. megalopterus Meyen, 1834 – Mountain CaracaraP. albogularis Gould, 1837 – White-throated CaracaraP. australis Gmelin, 1788 – Striated Caracara
- Genus Caracara Merrem, 1826
- C. cheriway Jacquin, 1784 – Northern (or Crested) CaracaraC. plancus Miller, 1777 – Southern CaracaraC. lutosa Ridgway, 1876 – Guadalupe Caracara (Extinct, 1903)
- Genus Milvago
- M. chimachima Vieillot, 1816 – Yellow-headed CaracaraM. chimango Vieillot, 1816 – Chimango Caracara
- M. chimachima Vieillot, 1816 – Yellow-headed CaracaraM. chimango Vieillot, 1816 – Chimango Caracara
- Genus Daptrius
- D. ater Vieillot, 1816 – Black Caracara
- Genus Ibycter
- I. americanus Boddaert, 1783 – Red-throated Caracara (formerly in Daptrius)
- Genus Phalcoboenus
- P. carunculatus Des Murs, 1853 – Carunculated CaracaraP. megalopterus Meyen, 1834 – Mountain CaracaraP. albogularis Gould, 1837 – White-throated CaracaraP. australis Gmelin, 1788 – Striated Caracara
- Genus Caracara Merrem, 1826
- C. cheriway Jacquin, 1784 – Northern (or Crested) CaracaraC. plancus Miller, 1777 – Southern CaracaraC. lutosa Ridgway, 1876 – Guadalupe Caracara (Extinct, 1903)
- Genus Milvago
- M. chimachima Vieillot, 1816 – Yellow-headed CaracaraM. chimango Vieillot, 1816 – Chimango Caracara
- Genus Daptrius
- D. ater Vieillot, 1816 – Black Caracara
- Genus Ibycter
- I. americanus Boddaert, 1783 – Red-throated Caracara (formerly in Daptrius)
- Genus Phalcoboenus
- P. carunculatus Des Murs, 1853 – Carunculated CaracaraP. megalopterus Meyen, 1834 – Mountain CaracaraP. albogularis Gould, 1837 – White-throated CaracaraP. australis Gmelin, 1788 – Striated Caracara
- Genus Caracara Merrem, 1826
- C. cheriway Jacquin, 1784 – Northern (or Crested) CaracaraC. plancus Miller, 1777 – Southern CaracaraC. lutosa Ridgway, 1876 – Guadalupe Caracara (Extinct, 1903)
- Genus Milvago
- M. chimachima Vieillot, 1816 – Yellow-headed CaracaraM. chimango Vieillot, 1816 – Chimango Caracara
- M. chimachima Vieillot, 1816 – Yellow-headed CaracaraM. chimango Vieillot, 1816 – Chimango Caracara
- Genus Daptrius
- D. ater Vieillot, 1816 – Black Caracara
- Genus Ibycter
- I. americanus Boddaert, 1783 – Red-throated Caracara (formerly in Daptrius)
- Genus Phalcoboenus
- P. carunculatus Des Murs, 1853 – Carunculated CaracaraP. megalopterus Meyen, 1834 – Mountain CaracaraP. albogularis Gould, 1837 – White-throated CaracaraP. australis Gmelin, 1788 – Striated Caracara
- Genus Caracara Merrem, 1826
- C. cheriway Jacquin, 1784 – Northern (or Crested) CaracaraC. plancus Miller, 1777 – Southern CaracaraC. lutosa Ridgway, 1876 – Guadalupe Caracara (Extinct, 1903)
- Genus Milvago
- M. chimachima Vieillot, 1816 – Yellow-headed CaracaraM. chimango Vieillot, 1816 – Chimango Caracara
