Striated Caracara

The Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) is considered the southernmost bird of prey in the world. It is a unique raptor native to the Falkland Islands and the southernmost parts of Chile and Argentina. In the Falklands, it is also sometimes called Johnny Rook or Flying Devil.

The Striated Caracara is a medium-sized bird of prey. It is between 56 and 66 cm (22 and 26 inches) long and has a wingspan of 116 to 125 cm (46 to 49 in). It weighs about 1.2 kg (2.6 lb). Adult Striated Caracaras have dark, almost black plumage with white tips on their tails and tawny streaks on the upper back, neck, and breast. The streaks are where their ‘striated’ name comes from. They have yellow legs and hooked grey beaks.

Striated Caracaras are curious and intelligent birds. They are opportunistic feeders that feed on almost anything they can find. They scavenge on carrion, hunt smaller seabirds and invertebrates, eat stolen eggs and look for food scraps left by people. They sometimes hunt in flocks of up to 50 birds, mobbing larger animals. They have been known to prey on newborn lambs. Because of this, they have been persecuted by farmers on the Falkland Islands for many years. Since 1999, they have been protected by law.