Carunculated Caracara

The Carunculated Caracara is found in the high-altitude paramo and grassland of the northern Andes, primarily in Ecuador and southern Colombia, generally above the Mountain Caracara's range in more equatorial latitudes.

Its feathers show a clean black-and-white pattern, with a solid black head and upperparts contrasting against a white breast and belly, similar in broad pattern to some other Phalcoboenus caracaras but distinguished by range and the bird's distinctive fleshy facial caruncles (a soft-tissue feature not preserved in feathers themselves).

Because it favors high-elevation paramo grassland, feathers are most likely found in this specific habitat type in Ecuador and adjacent Colombia.

Shape and size

• Flight feathers are broad and rounded, with a pale patch near the base of the primaries, primaries reaching roughly 28-32 cm.
• Tail feathers are dark with a pale base.

Color and pattern

• Head and upperpart feathers are solid black.
• Breast and belly feathers are clean white.
• Shafts are pale on white feathers, dark on black feathers.

Similar species

• Similar in overall pattern to the Mountain Caracara but found further north in Ecuador and Colombia's high paramo rather than the central/southern Andes; range is the most reliable separator from feathers alone.

Adults show a black head and upperparts with a white breast and belly, sexes similar. Juveniles are browner and less crisply patterned, developing the adult contrast with age.

Found in high-altitude paramo and grassland of the northern Andes, primarily in Ecuador and southern Colombia. It is largely resident at these high elevations.

An opportunistic forager that scavenges carrion and hunts small animals in open paramo grassland, often seen in pairs or small groups. Nests on rocky outcrops or cliff ledges. Calls are harsh and raucous, typical of the genus.

Field note: a black-and-white feather found in high paramo grassland in Ecuador or southern Colombia is a good match for this species over its more southerly relatives.