black caracara

The black caracara (Daptrius ater) is a species of bird of prey belonging to the family Falconidae. These birds are found in South America and are characterized by their long legs and the reddish, naked skin on their cheeks and throat. Black caracaras, like other caracaras, primarily feed on carrion, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. They are known to be gregarious and aggressive, often dominating vultures at feeding sites despite their smaller size. The black caracara is one of several species within the caracara group, which also includes the crested caracara and the chimango.1