Mountain Caracara
NameMountain Caracara
Common NameMountain Caracara
Scientific NamePhalcoboenus megalopterus
FamilyFalconidae
Wingspan (cm)110
Length (cm)50
Weight (g)950
Plumage DetailsAdults have a glossy black head, back, and upper breast, sharply contrasting with a pure white lower breast, belly, and undertail coverts. The wings are black with white patches visible in flight, and the tail is black with a distinct white tip. The facial skin and legs are bright orange-red, and the bill is pale with a darker tip.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh, guttural cackles and croaks, often given in alarm or during social interactions. They can also produce a series of rapid, chattering calls.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the high Andes Mountains of South America, from southern Peru through Bolivia and northern Chile to northwestern Argentina.
Identifying FeaturesDark upperparts and white underparts, Bright orange-red facial skin and legs, Pale bill with dark tip, White wing patches (visible in flight), Terrestrial foraging behavior
Description
The Mountain Caracara is a robust, medium-sized raptor characterized by its dark upperparts and contrasting white underparts. It is often seen walking on the ground, foraging for food in the high-altitude environments of the Andes.
