Bird
Southern Caracara
Caracara plancusAlso known as Crested Caracara, Carancho, Southern Crested Caracara
Southern Caracaras spend much of their day walking along the ground in open pastures and savannas, searching for carrion, insects, and small vertebrates. Unlike typical falcons that strike from the air, these opportunistic raptors use their long legs to run down prey and frequently associate with vultures at carcass sites. Pairs maintain permanent territories, vocalizing with a distinctive rattling call while throwing their heads backward over their necks.
RaptorScavengerDiurnal
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyCarrion, Small mammals, Reptiles
Predators
- Cougar
- Jaguar
- Large eagles
ThreatsHabitat loss, roadkill collisions, illegal shooting
HabitatsSavannas, grasslands, pastures, scrublands, wetlands
Life span15–25 years
Classification
- OrderFalconiformes
- FamilyFalconidae
- GenusCaracara
- SpeciesCaracara plancus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Equipped with strong talons and beak; maintain a respectful distance when observing in the wild.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Scan fence posts and open ground in pastures or savannas where they frequently perch and forage.
- Binocular Use: Observe from a distance to watch their facial skin color shift from yellow to red when excited.
- Roadsides: Drive cautiously in rural open country, as they often scavenge near highway shoulders.
Sympatric Relative Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Family Relative Mykola Swarnyk / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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