Phalcoboenus is a small genus of birds of prey consisting of four species that are almost entirely allopatric (geographically separated). They inhabit barren and open habitats in the Andes, Patagonia and the Falkland Islands.
Distribution
The adults are distinctive, with bare yellow, orange or red facial skin and cere (soft skin surrounding the nostrils). The plumage is mostly black plumage with variable amounts of white.
Juveniles are mostly brown with pale pinkish-grey facial skin and cere.
Diet / Feeding
They are highly opportunistic and typically seen walking on the ground, where they will feed on carrion and virtually any small animal they can catch.
Species
- Carunculated Caracara, Phalcoboenus carunculatus
- Mountain Caracara, Phalcoboenus megalopterus
- White-throated Caracara, Phalcoboenus albogularis
- Striated Caracara, Phalcoboenus australis
Species Research by Sibylle Johnson
