The Striated Caracara is a medium-sized
bird of prey from the falcon family. It is
mainly resident on the Falkland Islands
but also breeds on several islands in the
Tierra del Fuego. The adult's plumage is
almost black in colour, while the legs and
lores are orange and the neck is flecked
with grey. The first year juveniles have an
orange or light red down, which they lose
after their first moult. Full adult plumage
is acquired only in the fifth year.
It is primarily a scavenger but will also
prey on weak or injured creatures such as
young sea birds and has been known to
attack newborn lambs. In the past, conflict
with sheep farmers has led to a great
reduction in their numbers. This is now
being corrected by the Falkland Islanders.
They build their nest on the ground or on a
cliff ledge, where the female will lay up to
4 eggs. Their hatching is timed to coincide
with the nesting season of seabirds,
providing a constant food supply for the chicks.
