Red-throated Caracara
Ibycter americanus
The Red-throated Caracara (Ibycter americanus) is a uncommon falcons and caracara found in 14 countries, weighing about 624 g. The red-throated caracara is a social species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae.
About the Red-throated Caracara
The red-throated caracara is a social species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae. It is placed in the monotypic genus Ibycter, or sometimes united in Daptrius with the black caracara. Unique among caracaras, it mainly feeds on the larvae of bees and wasps, but also takes the adult insects and fruits and berries.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Males average 20.1 in (51 cm) long, while females average 22.1 in (56 cm); they are distinguished from the black caracara by larger size and plumage that is mainly black, with the belly, tail feathers, and undertail feathers being white. Both their faces and throats are bare, with a few black feathers scattered on the throat; the exposed skin is red. Both male and female red-throated caracaras are similar in appearance. Males have a wing length of 35.55 cm, a tail length of 24.96 cm, a bill length of 2.5 cm, and a tarsal length of 5.41 cm. Females have a wing length of 35.
What the Red-throated Caracara sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in France.
When to see it
The Red-throated Caracara can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Red-throated Caracara?
- Males average 20.1 in (51 cm) long, while females average 22.1 in (56 cm); they are distinguished from the black caracara by larger size and plumage that is mainly black, with the belly, tail feathers, and undertail feathers being white. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Red-throated Caracara?
- The Red-throated Caracara is a large sized bird weighing about 624 g.
- Where can you see a Red-throated Caracara?
- The Red-throated Caracara occurs in 14 countries, including Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Panama.
- What does a Red-throated Caracara sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the Red-throated Caracara on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Red-throated Caracara?
- The Red-throated Caracara is most easily confused with the Greater Kestrel, the New Zealand Falcon and the Barred Forest Falcon.
- Is the Red-throated Caracara endangered?
- The Red-throated Caracara is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Red-throated Caracara for real
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