Southern Crested Caracara

The Southern Crested Caracara is a large, ground-foraging falcon found across much of South America, including Patagonia. Easily recognised by its black cap, pale neck, barred chest, orange facial skin and yellow legs, it is an adaptable scavenger and opportunistic hunter often seen walking boldly through open ground, forest edges, roadsides and coastal areas. Although related to falcons, its behaviour is more crow-like, feeding on carrion, insects, eggs, small animals and discarded food.