Birdsong field guide
Carunculated Caracara
Daptrius carunculatus
A social, largely terrestrial bird of prey distinctive for its contrasting black-and-white plumage and vibrant red facial skin. It is a characteristic scavenger and predator of the high-altitude Andean paramo.
What it sounds like
A series of harsh, low-pitched croaks or rasping 'kak-kak-kak' notes, often performed with a head-back display.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- Highly gregarious for a raptor, often forming flocks of over 40 individuals while foraging or roosting.
- Predominantly terrestrial, it spends much of its time walking or running on the ground searching for invertebrates.
- Known to follow human agricultural activity, such as plowing, to feed on exposed worms and larvae.
- Possesses a highly generalist diet including insects, small vertebrates, carrion, and occasionally grain.
- Lacks a typical raptorial hunting style, instead using its feet to scratch at the soil similar to a chicken.
Habitat
High-altitude paramo grasslands and open montane pastures, typically between 3,000 and 4,500 meters elevation.
Range
Northern Andes, restricted to the highlands of Ecuador and southwestern Colombia.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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