CARACARA

CARACARA

Caracaras are birds of prey occur in South and Central America, just reaching the southern United States, extending as far north as the states of Arizona, Texas, and Florida in the United States. The 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.

Caracaras feed largely on carrion, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. They are gregarious and aggressive. In spite of their smaller size, they dominate vultures when feeding. Caracaras are recognized by their long legs and by the reddish naked skin of the cheeks and throat. They range in size from 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24 inches) long.

TYPES OF CARACARAS

BLACK CARACARA

RED THROATED CARACARA 

CARUNCULATED CARACARA

MOUNTAIN CARACARA

WHITE THROATED CARACARA 

 STRIATEDCARACARA

NORTHERN CRESTED CARACARA

SOUTHERN CRESTED CARACARA

GUADALUPE CARACARA

 

YELLOWHEADED CARACARA

CHIMANGO CARACARA