Range

South America is the home of the southern caracara. Here they can be found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. The species is a resident of the Falkland Islands.

Habitat

Southern caracaras make their home in shrubland, steppe, scrubland, grassland and wetlands. They can also be found in fields which previously were forest.

Reproduction

The breeding season of the southern caracara is variable based on their range. It takes place sometime from August to November though it may continue outside this range. Throughout the breeding season the face can turn bright yellow during displays.

Mates will fly together while males will engage in aerial fights to defend their territories.

A nest is built on top of a tree or on a cliff ledge. This may be lined with animal fur such as that of a coati or tapir.

In to the nest they will deposit between 2 and 3 eggs. These are oval shaped and cream or reddish-orange in color. They may have some spotting on them.

These eggs are incubated for 28 days. At hatching the chicks are covered with pinkish down.

The chicks spend 50-56 days in the nest.

Behavior

This species is commonly seen on the ground where they undertake much of their foraging.

The southern caracara creates a range of chattering and rattling calls. When producing their territorial call they will throw the head back till it touches their shoulders. A range of clicks and grumbles are produced when at the nest.

Hunting may take place in small groups made up of up to 5 birds.

Predators and Threats

The species is considered common across much of its range. Their population has been able to grow as the amount of roadkill increases which provides additional food.

Some are prosecuted as they will hunt newborn lambs or weak adults. Small numbers may also be collected for the pet trade.

Quick facts

This species is also known as the Brazilian caracara, the Carancho carrion hawk and the common caracara.

Southern caracaras are close relatives of the northern crested caracara (Caracara cheriway) which is found in the northern parts of the Americas.