Striated Caracara
A bird of prey, the Striated Caracara can be found on the Falkland Islands. Most comfortable settled along rugged cliffs and rocky ledges, the Striated Caracara is a carrion scavenger, feeding largely off dead seabirds and sheep. Resourceful, super smart and an expert flier, this bird can achieve speeds of up to 37 miles per hour.
IUCN Listing: Near Threatened
At a low risk of becoming extinct in the wild
Fact File
Native Range
Argentina, Chile and Falkland Islands
Natural Habitat
Open lowlands, low coastal mountains and rocky coasts
Diet
Scavenger, dead seabirds and chicks, insects, eggs and lambs
Life Expectancy
In the wild: Unknown.
In zoos: Up to 30 years
Breeding
Gestation period:
1 month. 1 – 4 eggs.
Group Name
Flock
Active Hours
During the day
Threats
Loss of habitat, persecution
Fun Fact
Striated Caracaras are quite curious and show little fear of humans. Charles Darwin first found that he could catch them with just a hand net!