Birdsong field guide
Mountain Caracara
Daptrius megalopterus
A social and largely terrestrial bird of prey found in the high Andes, distinguished by its stark black-and-white adult plumage and bright orange facial skin.
What it sounds like
A series of loud, harsh, and rhythmic croaks or a raspy 'kak-kak-kak' vocalization.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- Primarily a ground-dwelling raptor that spends much of its time walking or running in search of prey and carrion.
- Highly social compared to other falconids, often seen in large family groups or communal gatherings of up to 40 individuals.
- Juveniles possess a completely different appearance, featuring dark brown plumage that gradually molts into the adult pattern over several years.
- An opportunistic generalist that feeds on everything from insects and small mammals to vegetable matter and livestock afterbirth.
- Frequently exhibits bold behavior around humans, often following farmers or hikers to scavenge disturbed earth or food scraps.
Habitat
High-altitude grasslands (Puna and Paramo), rocky cliffs, and pastoral lands above the treeline.
Range
The Andes mountains of South America, spanning from southern Ecuador and Peru to Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwest Argentina.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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