Field Guide

Yellow-Headed Caracara

Daptrius chimachima

Aves › Falconiformes › Falconidae › Daptrius

The yellow-headed caracara is a new-world bird of prey in the family Falconidae, of the Falconiformes order. It can be found in North America and South America, from Nicaragua to Uruguay.

How To Identify

A medium-sized falconiform bird, it is easily identified by the brilliant yellow coloration covering its head and upper neck, contrasting with darker body plumage.

Habitat

It typically inhabits open and semi-open landscapes including savannas, grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural areas throughout Central and South America.

Behaviour

Yellow-headed Caracaras are highly social birds that often hunt and roost in small groups, and they frequently perch on low branches or the ground while scanning for prey.

Native Range

The Yellow-Headed Caracara is native to Latin America from Costa Rica to Argentina.

Did You Know?

Its specific name comes from a local Argentinian onomatopoeia word for a caracara.

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