Mountain Caracara
Mountain Caracara
100
14 hours ago
The Mountain Caracara is a large, colorful raptor inhabiting the high Andes of South America, characterized by its black, white, and rufous plumage and bare yellow-orange facial skin. It is an opportunistic scavenger and predator.
Where to spot
High-altitude puna and páramo grasslands, rocky slopes, and agricultural areas in the Andes from southern Peru through Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
How to spot
Identify by its prominent yellow-orange facial skin, black cap, white neck, black back, and rufous belly. Often seen walking on the ground, scavenging, or soaring on thermals. Listen for its harsh, guttural calls.
When to spot
Active during the day. Easily observed as they often perch conspicuously on rocks or fly overhead. Observable year-round.
Where to spot
High-altitude puna and páramo grasslands, rocky slopes, and agricultural areas in the Andes from southern Peru through Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
How to spot
Identify by its prominent yellow-orange facial skin, black cap, white neck, black back, and rufous belly. Often seen walking on the ground, scavenging, or soaring on thermals. Listen for its harsh, guttural calls.
When to spot
Active during the day. Easily observed as they often perch conspicuously on rocks or fly overhead. Observable year-round.
These caracaras are known for their playful and curious nature, sometimes even approaching human settlements and scavenging around picnic areas or waste dumps.
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