Striated Caracara

The Striated Caracara, widely known locally as the 'Johnny rook,' is a large, notably tame and inquisitive raptor found on the Falkland Islands, islands off Tierra del Fuego, and the southernmost tip of South America. It is famous for its bold, almost mischievous behavior around people and their belongings.

Its feathers are darker and more uniformly brown than most other Phalcoboenus caracaras, with pale buffy streaking on the neck and breast rather than crisp white patches, matching its more southerly, subantarctic island range.

Because it nests and forages on coastal cliffs and seabird colonies, feathers are often found near penguin or seabird colonies on these southern islands.

Shape and size

• Flight feathers are broad and rounded, with a pale patch near the base of the primaries, similar in shape to related caracaras but often larger; primaries can reach 32-36 cm.
• Tail feathers are dark with a pale base.

Color and pattern

• Overall body feathers are dark brown rather than solid black, with pale buffy streaking on the neck and upper breast.
• Belly feathers may show some paler mottling but lack the crisp white patch of relatives like the Mountain or White-throated Caracara.
• Shafts are pale on streaked areas, dark brown elsewhere.

Similar species

• Its darker, more streaked (rather than crisply black-and-white) plumage and its restriction to subantarctic islands and southernmost Patagonia separate it from other Phalcoboenus caracaras further north in the Andes.

Adults show dark brown plumage overall with pale buffy streaking on the neck and breast, sexes similar. Juveniles are paler and more uniformly buffy-brown, gradually darkening and developing adult streaking with age.

Found on the Falkland Islands, islands near Tierra del Fuego, and the southernmost tip of South America, closely associated with seabird and penguin colonies on coastal cliffs. It is largely resident and has one of the most restricted ranges of any raptor.

An opportunistic scavenger and predator, often seen investigating human camps, gear, and settlements with notable boldness; also forages around seabird colonies. Nests on coastal cliffs or rocky ground. Calls are harsh and raucous.

Field note: a dark brown, pale-streaked feather found near seabird or penguin colonies on the Falkland Islands or southernmost Patagonia is a strong match for this species.