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.
Region
Amazon Basin and northern South America
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits lowland humid tropical forest, including terra firme and várzea, as well as forest edges and clearings. Found from eastern Panama south and east across the Chocó and Amazon Basin through Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and much of northern and central Brazil. Most frequently encountered in mature forest but will forage along rivers and in secondary growth adjoining intact tracts. It is generally uncommon where extensive forest has been lost and is more conspicuous where large canopy tracts remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking caracara is placed in the monotypic genus Ibycter and is famous for its loud, chorus-like calls given by groups moving through the canopy. Unusual among raptors, it specializes in raiding the nests of social wasps and bees to eat the larvae, and will also take adult insects and some fruit. It travels and forages in cohesive groups, which may also assist at nests. Its bold white-and-black tail and bare red throat make it distinctive in flight and at rest.
Late 1700s illustration from François-Nicolas Martinet's Planches Enluminées D'Histoire Naturelle
Ibycter americanus flying in the Inkaterra Lodge at Puerto Maldonado
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with steady flapping between glides
Social Behavior
Often travels in noisy groups of 4–10 or more individuals that forage cooperatively through the canopy. Pairs are believed to nest with assistance from group members, with helpers contributing to provisioning. Nests are placed high in large trees, and groups maintain territories in extensive forest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, ringing yelps, screams, and cackling choruses given repeatedly as groups move or descend on a food source. Calls carry over long distances and are among the most conspicuous sounds in intact lowland rainforest.
