Red-throated Caracara

The Red-throated Caracara (Ibycter americanus) is a striking bird of prey, a member of the Falconidae family. It is the sole representative of the genus Ibycter, a monotypic genus that was once grouped with the Black Caracara in Daptrius. This species is notable for its predominantly black plumage, contrasted by white on the belly, tail feathers, and undertail coverts. The skin on the face and throat is bare, revealing a vivid red coloration, with sparse black feathers dotting the throat area. Both sexes are similar in appearance, with males averaging 51 cm in length and females slightly larger at 56 cm.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Red-throated Caracara, look for its larger size compared to the Black Caracara and its distinctive coloration. The bare red skin on the face and throat is a key characteristic, along with the white underparts. The wingspan of males is about 35.55 cm, with a tail length of 24.96 cm, while females have a wingspan of 35.93 cm and a tail length of 25.31 cm.

Habitat

This species thrives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is well-adapted to flying in the understory where vegetation is less dense, allowing for better visibility to spot food and potential threats.

Distribution

The Red-throated Caracara is found from Mexico south to Venezuela, encompassing a wide range of Central and South American countries. Its presence has been recorded in nations such as Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.

Behaviour

This caracara is a social bird, often found in groups of four to eight individuals. It is highly territorial and employs a cooperative hunting strategy, with some members scouting for predators while others forage. Its flight is relatively slow, which is well-suited for maneuvering through the forest understory.

Song & Calls

While hunting, the Red-throated Caracara is mostly silent but may emit soft caws. The intricacies of its vocalizations during other behaviors remain less documented.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Red-throated Caracara is specialized, focusing on the larvae of bees and wasps, though it will also consume adult insects, fruits, and berries. It employs a unique "fly-by" attack strategy to dislodge insect nests, demonstrating remarkable agility and coordination.

Conservation status

The Red-throated Caracara is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, its populations have experienced declines in certain areas due to habitat loss and changes in forest ecosystems, which are crucial for its specialized diet. Conservation efforts are important to maintain the biodiversity that supports this species' unique feeding habits.