White-throated Caracara
A species of andean and Southern South American Caracaras Scientific name : Phalcoboenus albogularis Genus : andean and Southern South American Caracaras
White-throated Caracara, A species of andean and Southern South American Caracaras
Botanical name: Phalcoboenus albogularis
Genus: andean and Southern South American Caracaras
Content
Description General Info
Description
The White-Throated Caracara measures about 49–55 cm with a wingspan of about 110–124 cm. It is a medium to large Caracara with fingertips and long wings and a rather long rounded tail. The female is slightly larger but both sexes of the species are virtually the same. They have a weal crest and a somewhat less glossy black when compared to related species. The base of the primaries are banded black and white from below. This species is all white from the chin, to the undertail, and on underwing coverts. These white underparts is what separates this species from the Mountain Caracara. Their facial skin is yellow-orange, the legs and feet being yellow, and the iris being hazel to brown. In juveniles the facial skin and legs are blueish white in colour. The juveniles might be hard to distinguish in the field from a juvenile Mountain Caracara however they have weaker crests and are darker. 
Size
55 cm
Feeding Habits
White-throated Caracara predominantly consumes insects, supplementing with small mammals and birds. Foraging methods shift seasonally, favoring insects in spring/summer and other prey in winter/fall. White-throated Caracara demonstrates dietary flexibility, adjusting to prey availability.
Dite type
Carnivorous
General Info
Distribution Area
This is the southerly most member of the mountain Caracara superspecies. It can be found from central Chile south to Tierra del Fuego where it has not been reported to overlap with the similar species, the Mountain Caracara. This species differs from similar species in that it can also be found at sea-level and up to 3000 meters in elevational range. The species prefers open mountain slopes and humid forests, especially beech forests. Most Caracaras move from a principle home range site near seabird colonies in the summer, early-autumn and late spring, to secondary feeding sites around a winter refuge farm. This increased use of the farm site in winter is most likely due to the birds moving to the site once the food availabilty at the seabird colonies drops.
Species Status
Currently the White-throated Caracara is deemed a species of least concern. Is said to be common in the Nothofagus beech forest and common at a rubbish dump near Tierra del Fuego. It occurs at low density in the forests of the adjacent national park. Their habitat is not subject to much disturbance except for deforestation, which is possibly beneficial for the species as it prefers open areas of land rather than dense forests. They are currently estimated to no more than 10,000 individuals.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Diurnal Birds of Prey Family
Falcons and caracaras Species
White-throated Caracara 
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