Southern Crested Caracara

Photo copyright: monacoeye • Do not copy • Images: Lagoa do Peixe • November 2009

Bird name: Southern Caracara
Latin: Caracara plancus
Other: Polyborus plancus • Southern Crested Caracara • Caracará (Br)
Family: Falconidae • Caracaras

The Southern Caracaras near Lagoa do Peixe flew above the marshes, which are densely populated with nesting birds, such as swallows, lapwing and other waders. The one above, which was flying around with a stolen egg, was being mobbed by Southern Lapwing and sheltered by a fence, where they were unable to dive-bomb him, as he tucked in to his breakfast.

Another pair were seen nesting on the top of the largest tree around.

Southern Caracaras live in much of South America, excluding the highlands, south of the Amazon. They are quickly identifiable by their large red and blue bill area, barred chest, some barring on wings, light patches at end of wings, but tips dark. White lightly-barred tail with dark band at end. Yellow legs.