Order: Falconiformes
Family: Falconidae
The Chimango Caracara is a medium-sized raptor native to southern South America, including Patagonia. With brownish plumage and a slightly hooked beak, it is less aggressive than other caracaras and is often seen walking on the ground or perched on fence posts. Highly adaptable, the Chimango Caracara inhabits a wide range of environments, from open grasslands and agricultural fields to city parks and coastal areas. Its call is a distinctive, high-pitched whistle. Social and curious, these birds are frequently observed in small flocks, especially around sources of food. Their intelligence and resourcefulness allow them to exploit new food sources, including human refuse, making them common in urban settings. The Chimango Caracara plays an important ecological role as both a scavenger and a predator, helping to control insect and rodent populations.
Habitat
Open grasslands, agricultural fields, urban areas, coastal regions, and scrublands throughout Patagonia.
Foraging
Feeds on insects, carrion, small vertebrates, and human scraps, often foraging on the ground or near human settlements.
