Chimango Caracara

About

The Chimango Caracara is a small, opportunistic raptor native to South America. It is a highly adaptable and common bird, often seen in open country, agricultural areas, and even urban environments. Known for its varied diet and scavenging habits, it plays an important ecological role as a generalist predator and scavenger.

Size & lifespan

Length

37-43 cm (14.5-17 in)

Wingspan

75-90 cm (29.5-35.5 in)

Weight

250-350 g (8.8-12.3 oz)

Lifespan

Up to 10-12 years in the wild, potentially longer in captivity.

Diet

Omnivore, highly opportunistic. Diet includes insects, larvae, worms, small mammals, birds, eggs, carrion, fruits, and seeds. Often seen foraging on the ground.

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Overall dull brown plumage. The head and underparts are paler, often a buffy-brown, with fine dark streaking on the breast and flanks. The back and upperwings are darker brown. The primary flight feathers are dark, contrasting with paler bases, visible in flight. The tail is relatively short, dark brown with a pale terminal band, which can be indistinct.

Beak shape

Relatively slender, hooked beak, yellowish-horn colored, with a pale cere.

Eye color

Dark brown.

Leg color

Yellowish-orange to dull yellow.

Distinguishing features

Its relatively small size for a caracara, dull brown plumage, pale underparts with streaking, and yellowish legs and cere are key features. In flight, the pale patches at the base of the primaries are often noticeable.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are generally darker and more heavily streaked than adults, particularly on the underparts. Their plumage can appear more mottled, and the pale tail band may be less defined or absent. The cere and legs may be duller yellow or grayish.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage may appear slightly worn or faded outside of the molting period.

Sexual dimorphism

Minimal to none. Males and females are generally indistinguishable in plumage and size, though females may average slightly larger.

How to identify

1. 1

   Size and Shape

   Look for a medium-small raptor, smaller than most buzzards but larger than a kestrel, with a relatively slender build and a somewhat long tail for a falcon.

2. 2

   Plumage Color

   Note the overall dull brown coloration, paler buffy-brown underparts with fine streaking, and darker upperparts. Lack of strong patterns or bright colors is key.

3. 3

   Head and Face

   Observe the pale, uncrested head and the yellowish cere and legs. Dark eyes are also characteristic.

4. 4

   Flight Pattern

   Watch for steady wing beats and glides. In flight, look for the pale patches at the base of the primary flight feathers, which can be a good field mark.

5. 5

   Behavior

   Its frequent presence on the ground, walking and foraging, and its opportunistic scavenging habits are strong indicators.

6. 6

   Vocalization

   Listen for the harsh, rattling 'kree-kree-kree' or 'chima-chima-chima' call, which is quite distinctive.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Grasslands, agricultural fields, open woodlands, scrublands, urban and suburban areas, coastal zones.

Geographic range

Southern South America, primarily Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. Also occurs in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).

Elevation range

Sea level up to approximately 2,000 meters (6,500 feet).

Preferred environments

Highly adaptable, preferring open or semi-open landscapes with scattered trees or shrubs for perching and nesting. Frequently found near human settlements, farms, and roadsides.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal.

Feeding habits

Highly opportunistic and omnivorous. Forages primarily on the ground, walking or running to catch insects, worms, and small vertebrates. Also scavenges carrion, often alongside larger raptors or vultures. Will raid nests for eggs and young birds. Known to follow agricultural machinery to feed on disturbed prey.

Social behavior

Often seen singly or in pairs, but can gather in larger groups at abundant food sources (e.g., carrion, insect outbreaks, landfills) or communal roosts. Can be quite bold and tolerant of human presence.

Flight pattern

Flight is typically direct with steady wing beats, often interspersed with glides. Can soar on thermals. When hunting, it often flies low over fields or perches on elevated spots to scan for prey.

Migration pattern

Generally resident throughout much of its range. Southern populations (e.g., Patagonia) may undertake short-distance, altitudinal, or partial migrations northwards during the austral winter, returning to breeding grounds in spring.

Territoriality

Pairs defend a breeding territory during the nesting season, but outside of this period, they are less territorial and may forage in groups.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Typically September to December in the southern parts of its range, varying slightly with latitude.

Nesting habits

Nests are usually built in trees or tall shrubs, often thorny ones, but can also be found on cliffs, power poles, or even on the ground in areas lacking suitable elevated sites. The nest is a bulky structure made of sticks, twigs, and sometimes lined with softer materials like grass or wool.

Clutch size

2-4 eggs, occasionally up to 5.

Egg description

2-4 eggs, typically pale buff or whitish, heavily marked with reddish-brown or purplish-brown spots and blotches.

Incubation period

Approximately 26-32 days.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge around 30-35 days after hatching, but remain dependent on parents for some time thereafter.

Parental care

Both parents participate in incubation and raising the young. The female typically does most of the incubation, while the male provides food. Both parents feed the nestlings.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Look on the ground. Unlike many raptors, Chimango Caracaras spend a significant amount of time walking and foraging on the ground. Scan fields and open areas.
2. Check elevated perches. They often perch on fence posts, utility poles, low trees, or bushes to survey their surroundings.
3. Listen for calls. Their distinctive rattling call is often the first indication of their presence, especially when they are in flight or agitated.
4. Observe agricultural activity. Follow tractors or other farm machinery, as Chimangos often gather to feed on invertebrates and small vertebrates disturbed by the equipment.
5. Visit areas with carrion. They are scavengers, so checking areas with roadkill or other carrion can attract them, often alongside vultures.

Similar species

Quick facts

Diet:

Omnivorous scavenger and predator

Habitat:

Open country, grasslands, agricultural areas

Sociality:

Solitary, pairs, or small groups

Flight:

Direct flight with glides, often low

Vocalization:

Harsh, rattling 'kree-kree-kree' call

Fun facts

• The Chimango Caracara is one of the most common and widespread raptors in southern South America, often seen even in urban areas.
• They are highly adaptable and opportunistic feeders, consuming almost anything from insects to carrion, and even fruits.
• Unlike many falcons, caracaras spend a significant amount of time walking and foraging on the ground.
• They are known to follow agricultural machinery, such as tractors and plows, to catch prey disturbed by the activity.
• Their scientific name 'Milvago' refers to their kite-like appearance, while 'chimango' is an onomatopoeic reference to their call.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Falconiformes

Family

Falconidae

Genus

Milvago

Species

Milvago chimango

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