Welcome to this comprehensive guide on the caracara, a bird of prey known for its intelligence, adaptability, and unique behavior. Often mistaken for a hawk or vulture, the caracara is actually a member of the falcon family and stands out for its distinctive appearance and hunting techniques.
Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, an aspiring ornithologist, or simply curious about the animal kingdom, this article aims to cover all you need to know about this fascinating bird.
The Caracara at a Glance
Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves (Birds) |
| Order: | Falconiformes |
| Family: | Falconidae |
| Genus: | Caracara |
| Species: | Varies |
Essential Information
| Average Size: | 19-23 inches (48-58 cm) |
| Average Weight: | 1.8-3.2 lbs (0.8-1.45 kg) |
| Average Lifespan: | 10-15 years in the wild |
| Geographical Range: | Americas |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern to Near Threatened (IUCN Red List) |
Species and Subspecies
The name “caracara” is commonly applied to a number of species within the genus Caracara and also within a couple of other genera. The most well-known are the Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) and the Southern Caracara (Caracara plancus).
- Crested Caracara: Found in the U.S. (southern parts), Mexico, and Central America, this species is recognizable by its black cap and neck.
- Southern Caracara: Native to South America, this species has a larger size and a more robust bill compared to the Crested Caracara.
- Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima): Smaller than the other caracaras, this species has a unique yellowish head and is mostly found in South America.
- Chimango Caracara (Milvago chimango): Native to South America, particularly Argentina and Chile, this bird is smaller and browner than the other species and has a much shorter beak.
Each species has adapted to its local habitat and may have minor differences in size, coloration, and behavior.
Description
Caracaras are birds of prey with a striking appearance. Adult caracaras generally have a bulky body with long legs and wings, a hooked beak, and sharp talons.
They have black or dark brown plumage on the back and wings, with lighter, often white or cream-colored undersides. The head can vary in color, usually darker in most species, with the exception of the Yellow-headed Caracara, which has a unique yellowish head.
The hooked beak is a highly specialized feature designed for tearing flesh, and the talons are used for capturing and holding prey. While there isn’t significant sexual dimorphism in most species, females are generally slightly larger than males.
The size of an adult caracara can range from 19 to 23 inches (48 to 58 cm) with a weight between 1.8 to 3.2 lbs (0.8 to 1.45 kg).
Habitat and Distribution
Caracaras are highly adaptable birds and can be found in a variety of habitats, ranging from open grasslands, savannas, and marshes to forests and even urban areas.
They are primarily found in the Americas, with their geographical range extending from the southern United States through Central America and into South America.
Each species has its preferred habitat; for example, the Southern Caracara is more likely to be found in open savannas, while the Crested Caracara is often found in wetlands and agricultural areas.
Behavior
Caracaras are known for their intelligence and adaptability. They are primarily diurnal birds, active during the day. Unlike many birds of prey, caracaras are often seen walking or running on the ground, thanks to their strong legs. This is particularly true when they are scavenging, which is a significant part of their feeding behavior.
Most caracaras are not particularly social but can be seen in small family groups or pairs. Some species, like the Crested Caracara, are known to form larger groups, especially when feeding on a large carcass.
Caracaras communicate through a variety of vocalizations, from whistles and screams to more guttural sounds. These calls are used to maintain contact with family members, signal danger, or establish territorial boundaries. They also use body language and postures, such as spreading their wings or puffing up their feathers, to communicate.
Caracaras are known for their curious nature. They often investigate objects, manipulate them with their beaks, and even use simple tools to obtain food. This level of intelligence and problem-solving ability is not commonly seen among birds of prey, making caracaras unique in their family.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Caracaras are opportunistic feeders, which means their diet is highly varied. While they can and do hunt live prey, they are also scavengers. They mainly feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Their diet also includes insects, fish, and carrion. Unlike other birds of prey that focus on the sky, caracaras often hunt on foot, using their strong legs to chase down prey or explore for carrion.
Caracaras are known to exhibit both solitary and cooperative hunting strategies. When hunting live prey, they typically employ a sit-and-wait tactic from a high perch and dive down onto the target when spotted. However, they are not above foraging on the ground or taking advantage of roadkill or other carrion.
Predators
Caracaras are top predators in their habitat, meaning they don’t have many natural predators themselves. However, eggs and young caracaras are vulnerable to other birds of prey, snakes, and medium-sized mammals.
Adult caracaras have few natural enemies but can become victims of larger birds of prey or human activities.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Caracaras are generally monogamous, and the breeding pair often maintains a territory year-round. They build nests in tall trees, rocky outcrops, or even on the ground, depending on the availability of suitable sites. Both the male and female are involved in nest-building, incubation, and caring for the young.
The incubation period for caracara eggs typically ranges from 28 to 32 days. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.
A typical clutch consists of 2 to 4 eggs. Once hatched, the young caracaras are altricial, meaning they are born blind and featherless, entirely dependent on their parents for food and warmth.
The parents take turns feeding the chicks and protecting them from predators. The young caracaras fledge after about 8 to 10 weeks but may stay with the parents for some time before becoming fully independent.
Conservation and Threats
The conservation status of caracaras varies depending on the species and geographical location. The Southern Caracara, for instance, is generally considered to be of “Least Concern” according to the IUCN Red List. However, some species or subspecies are facing population decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and human interference.
Major threats include deforestation, urbanization, and persecution, as they are sometimes considered nuisances by farmers. The loss of natural prey and habitats can also affect caracaras.
Efforts to conserve caracaras include habitat protection, regulation of pesticide use that affects their prey, and educational programs to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Some programs also focus on monitoring populations to better understand their ecology and conservation needs.
Fun Facts
- Resourceful Birds: Caracaras are known to use tools like sticks to extract food from hard-to-reach places.
- Ground Hunters: Unlike many birds of prey, caracaras often prefer to hunt on the ground.
- Strong Feet: Their strong legs and feet are adapted to walking and running, as well as capturing prey.
- Intelligent: They are considered to be among the most intelligent birds of prey, capable of problem-solving.
- Social Scavengers: Caracaras are often seen feeding with vultures and are known to dominate these fellow scavengers at carcasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do caracaras live?
Caracaras have an average lifespan of 10-15 years in the wild but can live up to 20 years in captivity.
Are caracaras aggressive?
Generally, caracaras are not overly aggressive towards humans but can be protective of their nests and territory.
Do caracaras migrate?
Some species are sedentary, while others are known to undertake seasonal migrations depending on food availability and climate.
What do caracaras sound like?
Caracaras have a variety of calls, often described as harsh and crow-like. They use these calls for communication, especially during mating season.
Can caracaras be kept as pets?
It’s generally illegal to keep caracaras as pets. They are wild animals with specific needs that are difficult to meet in a home setting. Additionally, they play an important role in their native ecosystems.
