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Examples of Caracaras: Caracarinae

Caracaras are a unique group of birds in the Falconiformes order, specifically within the subfamily Caracarinae. Unlike the high-speed falcons, caracaras are more generalized in their habits and are known for their intelligence and opportunistic feeding strategies. They inhabit mainly Central and South America, thriving in diverse environments from open plains to tropical forests.
  • Belong to the subfamily Caracarinae within Falconiformes.
  • Exhibit more terrestrial and scavenging behaviors compared to typical falcons.
  • Primarily found in Central and South America.
Caracaras are mainly found in Central and South America.

Source Material

Author: Encyclopædia Britannica

Document: Caracara: Bird of Prey

Date Published: 2024

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head young bird ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head young bird ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
Bois des aigles | Caracara huppé, Bois des aigles, Balines ...

Bois des aigles | Caracara huppé, Bois des aigles, Balines ...

www.flickr.com
Crested Caracara - Blue Creek, Belize | A flock of Cattle Eg… | Flickr

Crested Caracara - Blue Creek, Belize | A flock of Cattle Eg… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
1-23-2007 11-49-10 AM_0041 | JamieDrakePhotos | Flickr

1-23-2007 11-49-10 AM_0041 | JamieDrakePhotos | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
Carancho (Caracara plancus) | Reserva Rincón del Socorro, Es… | Flickr

Carancho (Caracara plancus) | Reserva Rincón del Socorro, Es… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
List of birds of Chile - Wikipedia

List of birds of Chile - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org
Dust Bathing Caracara-4.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

Dust Bathing Caracara-4.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Dust Bathing Caracara-5.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

Dust Bathing Caracara-5.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Running birds.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Running birds.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Birds of Costa Rica

Birds of Costa Rica

www.all-free-photos.com
Dust Bathing Caracara-8.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

Dust Bathing Caracara-8.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Birdland at Bourton on the Water 23-09-2013 | Established in… | Flickr

Birdland at Bourton on the Water 23-09-2013 | Established in… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) in flight.JPG ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) in flight.JPG ...

commons.wikimedia.org
Crested Caracara | Santa Cruz Flats, Pinal County, Arizona | Steve ...

Crested Caracara | Santa Cruz Flats, Pinal County, Arizona | Steve ...

www.flickr.com
Crested Caracara on post (2) | Crested Caracara on post - Wh… | Flickr

Crested Caracara on post (2) | Crested Caracara on post - Wh… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Crested Caracara in Flight | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

Crested Caracara in Flight | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Crested caracara (Caracara cheriway), South Texas | Crested … | Flickr

Crested caracara (Caracara cheriway), South Texas | Crested … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

simple.wikipedia.org
File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Striated Caracara (50788460676).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Striated Caracara (50788460676).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Striated Caracara | Pebble Island, Falkland Islands, UK | Michael ...

Striated Caracara | Pebble Island, Falkland Islands, UK | Michael ...

www.flickr.com
Striated caracara. | Venfest 2019 @ Lytchett Minster, Dorset ...

Striated caracara. | Venfest 2019 @ Lytchett Minster, Dorset ...

www.flickr.com
Striated Caracara | Daptrius australis Carcass Island, Falkl… | Flickr

Striated Caracara | Daptrius australis Carcass Island, Falkl… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Striated Caracara (Johnny Rook) | an almost extinct bird of … | Flickr

Striated Caracara (Johnny Rook) | an almost extinct bird of … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Striated Caracara on Saunders Island (5551648335).jpg ...

File:Striated Caracara on Saunders Island (5551648335).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia ...

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Wikipedia:WikiProject South America/Falkland Islands work group ...

Wikipedia:WikiProject South America/Falkland Islands work group ...

en.wikipedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

File:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) | Carunculated Caracara… | Flickr

Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) | Carunculated Caracara… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Archivo:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

Archivo:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

es.m.wikipedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Ficheiro:Caracara (Caracara plancus) - Southern crested caracara ...

Ficheiro:Caracara (Caracara plancus) - Southern crested caracara ...

pt.wikipedia.org

Appearance and Behavior

Caracaras have strong, hooked beaks for tearing flesh, and their plumage is often a mix of black, white, and brown, giving them a somewhat crow-like appearance. They are highly adaptable, using their strong legs to walk and hunt on the ground, unlike many raptorial birds that primarily soar and swoop for prey. Their intelligence is notable—they are known to follow vultures to scavenge leftovers and even open carcasses themselves.
  • Hooked beaks adapted for tearing, with plumage often resembling crows.
  • More terrestrial than most raptors, frequently walking to find food.
  • Display high intelligence and opportunistic feeding behaviors.

Source Material

Author: Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Document: Caracaras: The Falcon’s Crooked Cousins

Date Published: 2023

Caracaras are known for walking on the ground to hunt and scavenging alongside vultures.
File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head young bird ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head young bird ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
Bois des aigles | Caracara huppé, Bois des aigles, Balines ...

Bois des aigles | Caracara huppé, Bois des aigles, Balines ...

www.flickr.com
Crested Caracara - Blue Creek, Belize | A flock of Cattle Eg… | Flickr

Crested Caracara - Blue Creek, Belize | A flock of Cattle Eg… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
1-23-2007 11-49-10 AM_0041 | JamieDrakePhotos | Flickr

1-23-2007 11-49-10 AM_0041 | JamieDrakePhotos | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
Carancho (Caracara plancus) | Reserva Rincón del Socorro, Es… | Flickr

Carancho (Caracara plancus) | Reserva Rincón del Socorro, Es… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
List of birds of Chile - Wikipedia

List of birds of Chile - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org
Dust Bathing Caracara-4.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

Dust Bathing Caracara-4.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Dust Bathing Caracara-5.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

Dust Bathing Caracara-5.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Running birds.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Running birds.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Birds of Costa Rica

Birds of Costa Rica

www.all-free-photos.com
Dust Bathing Caracara-8.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

Dust Bathing Caracara-8.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Birdland at Bourton on the Water 23-09-2013 | Established in… | Flickr

Birdland at Bourton on the Water 23-09-2013 | Established in… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) in flight.JPG ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) in flight.JPG ...

commons.wikimedia.org
Crested Caracara | Santa Cruz Flats, Pinal County, Arizona | Steve ...

Crested Caracara | Santa Cruz Flats, Pinal County, Arizona | Steve ...

www.flickr.com
Crested Caracara on post (2) | Crested Caracara on post - Wh… | Flickr

Crested Caracara on post (2) | Crested Caracara on post - Wh… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Crested Caracara in Flight | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

Crested Caracara in Flight | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Crested caracara (Caracara cheriway), South Texas | Crested … | Flickr

Crested caracara (Caracara cheriway), South Texas | Crested … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

simple.wikipedia.org
File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Striated Caracara (50788460676).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Striated Caracara (50788460676).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Striated Caracara | Pebble Island, Falkland Islands, UK | Michael ...

Striated Caracara | Pebble Island, Falkland Islands, UK | Michael ...

www.flickr.com
Striated caracara. | Venfest 2019 @ Lytchett Minster, Dorset ...

Striated caracara. | Venfest 2019 @ Lytchett Minster, Dorset ...

www.flickr.com
Striated Caracara | Daptrius australis Carcass Island, Falkl… | Flickr

Striated Caracara | Daptrius australis Carcass Island, Falkl… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Striated Caracara (Johnny Rook) | an almost extinct bird of … | Flickr

Striated Caracara (Johnny Rook) | an almost extinct bird of … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Striated Caracara on Saunders Island (5551648335).jpg ...

File:Striated Caracara on Saunders Island (5551648335).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia ...

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Wikipedia:WikiProject South America/Falkland Islands work group ...

Wikipedia:WikiProject South America/Falkland Islands work group ...

en.wikipedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

File:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) | Carunculated Caracara… | Flickr

Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) | Carunculated Caracara… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Archivo:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

Archivo:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

es.m.wikipedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Ficheiro:Caracara (Caracara plancus) - Southern crested caracara ...

Ficheiro:Caracara (Caracara plancus) - Southern crested caracara ...

pt.wikipedia.org

Notable Species

Here are some prominent species within the Caracarinae subfamily:
SpeciesScientific NameRangeDistinctive Features
Crested CaracaraCaracara plancusSouth & Central AmericaCrest, bold black and white plumage
Red-throated CaracaraIbycter americanusAmazon BasinRed throat, social behavior
Striated CaracaraPhalcoboenus australisFalkland IslandsStriking streaked plumage, aggressive
  • Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus): Recognizable by a prominent crest and sharp contrast in plumage.
  • Red-throated Caracara (Ibycter americanus): Known for its distinctive red throat and more social nature.
  • Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis): Found in sub-Antarctic regions, noted for its bold streaks and robust behavior.
The Red-throated Caracara is recognized by its distinctive red throat.
Crested Caracara and Striated Caracara are recognized species.
File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head young bird ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head young bird ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
Bois des aigles | Caracara huppé, Bois des aigles, Balines ...

Bois des aigles | Caracara huppé, Bois des aigles, Balines ...

www.flickr.com
Crested Caracara - Blue Creek, Belize | A flock of Cattle Eg… | Flickr

Crested Caracara - Blue Creek, Belize | A flock of Cattle Eg… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
1-23-2007 11-49-10 AM_0041 | JamieDrakePhotos | Flickr

1-23-2007 11-49-10 AM_0041 | JamieDrakePhotos | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
Carancho (Caracara plancus) | Reserva Rincón del Socorro, Es… | Flickr

Carancho (Caracara plancus) | Reserva Rincón del Socorro, Es… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
List of birds of Chile - Wikipedia

List of birds of Chile - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org
Dust Bathing Caracara-4.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

Dust Bathing Caracara-4.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Dust Bathing Caracara-5.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

Dust Bathing Caracara-5.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Running birds.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Running birds.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Birds of Costa Rica

Birds of Costa Rica

www.all-free-photos.com
Dust Bathing Caracara-8.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

Dust Bathing Caracara-8.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Birdland at Bourton on the Water 23-09-2013 | Established in… | Flickr

Birdland at Bourton on the Water 23-09-2013 | Established in… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) in flight.JPG ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) in flight.JPG ...

commons.wikimedia.org
Crested Caracara | Santa Cruz Flats, Pinal County, Arizona | Steve ...

Crested Caracara | Santa Cruz Flats, Pinal County, Arizona | Steve ...

www.flickr.com
Crested Caracara on post (2) | Crested Caracara on post - Wh… | Flickr

Crested Caracara on post (2) | Crested Caracara on post - Wh… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Crested Caracara in Flight | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

Crested Caracara in Flight | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Crested caracara (Caracara cheriway), South Texas | Crested … | Flickr

Crested caracara (Caracara cheriway), South Texas | Crested … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

simple.wikipedia.org
File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Striated Caracara (50788460676).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Striated Caracara (50788460676).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Striated Caracara | Pebble Island, Falkland Islands, UK | Michael ...

Striated Caracara | Pebble Island, Falkland Islands, UK | Michael ...

www.flickr.com
Striated caracara. | Venfest 2019 @ Lytchett Minster, Dorset ...

Striated caracara. | Venfest 2019 @ Lytchett Minster, Dorset ...

www.flickr.com
Striated Caracara | Daptrius australis Carcass Island, Falkl… | Flickr

Striated Caracara | Daptrius australis Carcass Island, Falkl… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Striated Caracara (Johnny Rook) | an almost extinct bird of … | Flickr

Striated Caracara (Johnny Rook) | an almost extinct bird of … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Striated Caracara on Saunders Island (5551648335).jpg ...

File:Striated Caracara on Saunders Island (5551648335).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia ...

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Wikipedia:WikiProject South America/Falkland Islands work group ...

Wikipedia:WikiProject South America/Falkland Islands work group ...

en.wikipedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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File:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

File:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

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Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) | Carunculated Caracara… | Flickr

Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) | Carunculated Caracara… | Flickr

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Archivo:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

Archivo:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

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File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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Ficheiro:Caracara (Caracara plancus) - Southern crested caracara ...

Ficheiro:Caracara (Caracara plancus) - Southern crested caracara ...

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File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head young bird ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head young bird ...

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File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

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Bois des aigles | Caracara huppé, Bois des aigles, Balines ...

Bois des aigles | Caracara huppé, Bois des aigles, Balines ...

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Crested Caracara - Blue Creek, Belize | A flock of Cattle Eg… | Flickr

Crested Caracara - Blue Creek, Belize | A flock of Cattle Eg… | Flickr

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1-23-2007 11-49-10 AM_0041 | JamieDrakePhotos | Flickr

1-23-2007 11-49-10 AM_0041 | JamieDrakePhotos | Flickr

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File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

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Carancho (Caracara plancus) | Reserva Rincón del Socorro, Es… | Flickr

Carancho (Caracara plancus) | Reserva Rincón del Socorro, Es… | Flickr

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Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

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File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

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List of birds of Chile - Wikipedia

List of birds of Chile - Wikipedia

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Dust Bathing Caracara-4.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

Dust Bathing Caracara-4.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

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Dust Bathing Caracara-5.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

Dust Bathing Caracara-5.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

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Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

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File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

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File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

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File:Running birds.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Running birds.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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Birds of Costa Rica

Birds of Costa Rica

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Dust Bathing Caracara-8.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

Dust Bathing Caracara-8.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

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Birdland at Bourton on the Water 23-09-2013 | Established in… | Flickr

Birdland at Bourton on the Water 23-09-2013 | Established in… | Flickr

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Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

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File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

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File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) in flight.JPG ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) in flight.JPG ...

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Crested Caracara | Santa Cruz Flats, Pinal County, Arizona | Steve ...

Crested Caracara | Santa Cruz Flats, Pinal County, Arizona | Steve ...

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Crested Caracara on post (2) | Crested Caracara on post - Wh… | Flickr

Crested Caracara on post (2) | Crested Caracara on post - Wh… | Flickr

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Crested Caracara in Flight | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

Crested Caracara in Flight | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

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Crested caracara (Caracara cheriway), South Texas | Crested … | Flickr

Crested caracara (Caracara cheriway), South Texas | Crested … | Flickr

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File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

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File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

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Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

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File:Striated Caracara (50788460676).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Striated Caracara (50788460676).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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Striated Caracara | Pebble Island, Falkland Islands, UK | Michael ...

Striated Caracara | Pebble Island, Falkland Islands, UK | Michael ...

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Striated caracara. | Venfest 2019 @ Lytchett Minster, Dorset ...

Striated caracara. | Venfest 2019 @ Lytchett Minster, Dorset ...

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Striated Caracara | Daptrius australis Carcass Island, Falkl… | Flickr

Striated Caracara | Daptrius australis Carcass Island, Falkl… | Flickr

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Striated Caracara (Johnny Rook) | an almost extinct bird of … | Flickr

Striated Caracara (Johnny Rook) | an almost extinct bird of … | Flickr

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File:Striated Caracara on Saunders Island (5551648335).jpg ...

File:Striated Caracara on Saunders Island (5551648335).jpg ...

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File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia ...

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia ...

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File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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Wikipedia:WikiProject South America/Falkland Islands work group ...

Wikipedia:WikiProject South America/Falkland Islands work group ...

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File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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File:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

File:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

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Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) | Carunculated Caracara… | Flickr

Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) | Carunculated Caracara… | Flickr

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Archivo:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

Archivo:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

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File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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Ficheiro:Caracara (Caracara plancus) - Southern crested caracara ...

Ficheiro:Caracara (Caracara plancus) - Southern crested caracara ...

pt.wikipedia.org

Ecological Role

Caracaras play a critical role in controlling insect and small vertebrate populations and help maintain ecosystem health by scavenging, which reduces the spread of disease. Their versatile diet means they can adapt to environmental changes better than many specialized predators.
  • Serve as both predators (insects, small animals) and scavengers.
  • Help control pest populations and aid in nutrient recycling.
  • Their adaptability makes them resilient to habitat changes.
Caracaras function as both predators and scavengers in their ecosystems.

Source Material

Author: National Geographic

Document: Ecology of Caracaras

Date Published: 2024

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head young bird ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head young bird ...

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File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
Bois des aigles | Caracara huppé, Bois des aigles, Balines ...

Bois des aigles | Caracara huppé, Bois des aigles, Balines ...

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Crested Caracara - Blue Creek, Belize | A flock of Cattle Eg… | Flickr

Crested Caracara - Blue Creek, Belize | A flock of Cattle Eg… | Flickr

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1-23-2007 11-49-10 AM_0041 | JamieDrakePhotos | Flickr

1-23-2007 11-49-10 AM_0041 | JamieDrakePhotos | Flickr

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File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

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Carancho (Caracara plancus) | Reserva Rincón del Socorro, Es… | Flickr

Carancho (Caracara plancus) | Reserva Rincón del Socorro, Es… | Flickr

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Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

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List of birds of Chile - Wikipedia

List of birds of Chile - Wikipedia

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Dust Bathing Caracara-4.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

Dust Bathing Caracara-4.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

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Dust Bathing Caracara-5.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

Dust Bathing Caracara-5.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

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Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

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File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

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File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

File:Brazil-00479 - Yellow Headed Caracara (48963271378).jpg ...

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File:Running birds.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Running birds.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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Birds of Costa Rica

Birds of Costa Rica

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Dust Bathing Caracara-8.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

Dust Bathing Caracara-8.jpg | The northern crested caracara … | Flickr

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Birdland at Bourton on the Water 23-09-2013 | Established in… | Flickr

Birdland at Bourton on the Water 23-09-2013 | Established in… | Flickr

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Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

Crested Caracara with Coot | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

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File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) head adult.JPG ...

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File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Caracara cheriway -Brevard Zoo-8a.jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) in flight.JPG ...

File:Southern crested caracara (Caracara plancus) in flight.JPG ...

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Crested Caracara | Santa Cruz Flats, Pinal County, Arizona | Steve ...

Crested Caracara | Santa Cruz Flats, Pinal County, Arizona | Steve ...

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Crested Caracara on post (2) | Crested Caracara on post - Wh… | Flickr

Crested Caracara on post (2) | Crested Caracara on post - Wh… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Crested Caracara in Flight | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

Crested Caracara in Flight | Crested Caracara (Caracara cher… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Crested caracara (Caracara cheriway), South Texas | Crested … | Flickr

Crested caracara (Caracara cheriway), South Texas | Crested … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

File:Crested Caracara JCB.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

simple.wikipedia.org
File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia

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Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) | A Striated Cara… | Flickr

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File:Striated Caracara (50788460676).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Striated Caracara (50788460676).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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Striated Caracara | Pebble Island, Falkland Islands, UK | Michael ...

Striated Caracara | Pebble Island, Falkland Islands, UK | Michael ...

www.flickr.com
Striated caracara. | Venfest 2019 @ Lytchett Minster, Dorset ...

Striated caracara. | Venfest 2019 @ Lytchett Minster, Dorset ...

www.flickr.com
Striated Caracara | Daptrius australis Carcass Island, Falkl… | Flickr

Striated Caracara | Daptrius australis Carcass Island, Falkl… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Striated Caracara (Johnny Rook) | an almost extinct bird of … | Flickr

Striated Caracara (Johnny Rook) | an almost extinct bird of … | Flickr

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File:Striated Caracara on Saunders Island (5551648335).jpg ...

File:Striated Caracara on Saunders Island (5551648335).jpg ...

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File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia ...

File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia ...

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File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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Wikipedia:WikiProject South America/Falkland Islands work group ...

Wikipedia:WikiProject South America/Falkland Islands work group ...

en.wikipedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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File:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

File:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

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Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) | Carunculated Caracara… | Flickr

Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) | Carunculated Caracara… | Flickr

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Archivo:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

Archivo:Carunculated Caracara 2015-06-03 (6) (26437827798).jpg ...

es.m.wikipedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Carunculated Caracara JCB.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Ficheiro:Caracara (Caracara plancus) - Southern crested caracara ...

Ficheiro:Caracara (Caracara plancus) - Southern crested caracara ...

pt.wikipedia.org

Conclusion

Caracaras (Caracarinae) are adaptable, intelligent birds of prey that stand out among falcon relatives for their terrestrial habits and versatile diets. Their unique behaviors and roles make them essential components of Central and South American ecosystems.
  • Caracaras use their intelligence to exploit diverse food sources, including scavenging.
  • They fill both predator and scavenger roles, contributing to ecosystem balance.
  • Notable species include the Crested Caracara, Red-throated Caracara, and Striated Caracara.
Caracaras are known for opportunistic scavenging and ground foraging, unlike typical falcons.
Caracaras are primarily found in Central and South America.
Crested Caracara and Striated Caracara are recognized species within Caracarinae.