2013 Bonanza Bird #7

Introducing the Striated Caracara: A Raptor with Vulture-like Habits

We're adding one brand new bird species each day until we reach our 500th Birdorable at the end of July! Today's Bonanza bird is the Striated Caracara.

Birdorable Striated Caracara

The Striated Caracara is remarkable because it has the southern-most breeding population of any bird of prey in the world. These dark raptors, also known as Johnny Rooks, breed on the Falkland Islands and in some spots in Tierra del Fuego.

Striated Caracaras on Saunders Island
Striated Caracaras on Saunders Island by Liam Quinn (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Striated Caracaras are in the same family as falcons, but in some ways they behave more like vultures. They are opportunistic feeders and will scavenge on carrion or refuse or hunt weakened or very young and vulnerable prey. They are highly intelligent and have a curious nature.

Tomorrow we'll add a diving duck named for its eye color but recognized more often by the shape of its white face patch.

bonanza-2013-preview-8

Cute Striated Caracara Gifts

Comments

Louise Warner on March 17, 2017 at 10:34 AM wrote:
common goldeneye?

Leave a comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Birdorable to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.

Meet the Charming Rose Robin: A Cutie from Australia

Today’s new Birdorable is a small type of songbird found in Australia: the Rose Robin! Rose Robins live in wet forest habitat in southeastern Australia. They feed on a variety of insects, beetles, and spiders. They are named for the pretty rose-pink breast...

Good Luck Birds To Welcome the New Year

Around the world, birds are often seen as symbols of new beginnings, hope, and good fortune. As people celebrate the New Year, several cultures associate specific birds with prosperity, renewal, and happiness. Here’s a look at some birds that herald the New Year in different traditions.

The Knob-billed Duck: A Polygamous Perching Duck

The Knob-billed Duck is a unique and striking waterfowl species found in tropical wetlands across sub-Saharan Africa and parts of south Asia. Closely related to the similar-looking Comb Duck, this large duck is easily recognized by the prominent roundish knob on the bills of males,...

2013 Bonanza Bird #29: Least Bittern

We’re adding new birds each day until we reach our 500th Birdorable species! Today’s Bonanza bird is species #498 overall: the Least Bittern. Least Bitterns are very small herons found in freshwater or brackish wetland-type habitats in the Americas. They are the smallest...