The chimango caracara, also known as chimango or tiuque, is a species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae, the falcons and caracaras. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, as a vagrant on the Falkland Islands and has been introduced on Rapa Nui.
Region
Southern Cone of South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in open and semi-open habitats across Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, southern Brazil, Chile, and into Bolivia, with vagrant records on the Falkland Islands. It favors pampas grasslands, agricultural fields, pastures, scrub, coastal areas, and urban parks. The species often perches on fence posts, poles, and rooftops while scanning for food. It has been introduced on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), where it frequents human-modified landscapes. Local movements occur in response to food availability and weather.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A highly adaptable caracara, the chimango thrives around human settlements, often patrolling roadsides, ranches, and dumps for food. It is an opportunistic feeder that will hunt insects, scavenge carrion, and even pirate food from other birds. On Rapa Nui (Easter Island) it was introduced and is now well established. Its bold, inquisitive nature and buoyant flight make it a familiar sight across the southern cone.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
buoyant flier with easy flaps and frequent gliding
Social Behavior
Often seen in loose groups, especially around abundant food sources such as fields being plowed, roadkill, or coastal scavenging sites. Typically monogamous, nesting in trees, shrubs, or on structures with a stick platform lined with softer materials. It readily exploits human-altered habitats and can form communal roosts.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Voice is a series of nasal, raspy calls and whistles, often delivered while perched or in flight. Common calls include scolding chatter and plaintive ‘klee-ee’ notes that carry over open country.
Plumage
Overall brown to dusky-brown with fine pale streaking on the breast and a paler, buffy throat; flight feathers and tail show subtle barring.
Diet
Takes insects (especially orthopterans and beetles), earthworms, small mammals, lizards, and bird eggs or nestlings when available. Frequently scavenges carrion and fish offal, and will investigate refuse around towns and harbors. It sometimes follows plows or grass fires to capture flushed prey and can kleptoparasitize other birds.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open fields, pastures, coastal margins, and urban edges, often near livestock and human activity. Common along roadsides and dumps where carrion and scraps are available.
