The carunculated caracara is a species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae, the falcons and caracaras. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in the high páramo and open montane grasslands of Colombia and Ecuador, often above treeline. It uses a mosaic of natural grasslands, rocky outcrops, shrub patches, and pastoral farmland. Birds spend much time on the ground, foraging along roadsides, pastures, and recently burned areas. Nests are typically placed on cliffs, rocky ledges, or steep banks, with nearby open ground for feeding.
Altitude Range
3000–4800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This high-Andean caracara is notable for its bare, brightly colored facial skin with fleshy caruncles, which give the species its name. It is unusually gregarious for a raptor, often seen walking and foraging in groups across open páramo. Bold and inquisitive, it frequently follows livestock or human activity to scavenge. By removing carrion and pest invertebrates, it plays a useful ecological cleanup role.
At Antisana Ecological Reserve, Ecuador
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats interspersed with glides
Social Behavior
Often forages and roosts in small groups or loose flocks, especially in open páramo. Pairs maintain nesting territories on cliffs or steep banks and may reuse sites. On the ground it walks purposefully, frequently probing and turning over debris.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are harsh, croaking or yelping calls, often delivered during social interactions. Display calls can include rattling or cackling notes given with head-thrown-back postures.
