Yellow-headed Caracara
NameYellow-headed Caracara
Common NameYellow-headed Caracara
Scientific NameMilvago chimachima
FamilyFalconidae
Wingspan (cm)80
Length (cm)40
Weight (g)300
Plumage DetailsAdults have a creamy-white head, neck, and underparts, contrasting sharply with dark brown to blackish upperparts, wings, and tail. The bare skin around the eyes and at the base of the bill is yellowish.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a harsh, rattling 'karr-karr-karr' call, often given in flight or when perched. It can also produce a high-pitched, screaming sound.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, urban, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Central and South America, ranging from Costa Rica south through much of South America to northern Argentina and Uruguay.
Identifying Featurescreamy-white head and underparts, dark wings and back, yellowish bare facial skin, often walks on the ground, relatively small size for a raptor
Description
The Yellow-headed Caracara is a small, pale raptor commonly found in open habitats. It is an opportunistic feeder, often seen walking on the ground foraging for food or perching conspicuously.
