Carunculated Caracara

Streifenkarakara ( Phalcoboenus carunculatus )

The Streifenkarakara ( Phalcoboenus carunculatus ) belongs to the subfamily of gerfalcons in the family of Falk -like. The stock is classified by the IUCN as endangered not (Least Concern ).

Features

The Streifenkarakara reaches a body length of about 51-56 centimeters. The top sparkles black with reflexed upper head feathers. The upper tail-coverts and a great spot at the end of the tail are white. Sections of the black bottom are traversed by white stripes, while the belly and under tail-coverts are colored completely white. In flight, the lower wing-coverts and base of the flight feathers are white. The remaining black flight feathers are crossed by closely spaced white spots. They have a dark brown iris. The cere, the wrinkled face and the upper part of the throat are reddish to orange-red, while the legs are bright yellow. The beak is bluish gray.

The plumage of adolescent birds differs significantly from adult forms. They are yellow -brown to dark brown with some white spots on the head and the bottom. The upper tail-coverts are whitish with some brownish exceptions. In flight, you can see a blown yellow brown spots at the base of the primaries. The naked head and legs are dark.

Distribution and habitat

One finds the birds in dry treeless regions of the high mountains, especially near grassy heaths and páramo vegetation. Here they move 3000-4200 meters. In Colombia, they come in the Central Andes of the Departamento de Cauca in the National Park of Puracé and south to the Andes of the Departamento de Narino ago. In Ecuador, her range extends into the provinces of Azuay, El Oro and the north of Loja. Most often you meet them in Ecuador but in the ecological reserve of Antisana ( Antisana Ecological Reserve ).

Behavior

Individual animals and occasional couples fall into their natural environment. Rarely do we see them in greater numbers, except they keep on near herds of cattle. Often the bird falls to the ground and therefore is considered to be extremely lazy flight. In their ground excursions they search for carrion, worms and insects, but also for seeds and other food. In flight, they love to be borne by the gusty mountain winds and are able to sail in it elegantly over longer distances. In general, they seem to assume the traditional role of ravens and crows in the northern latitudes.

Vocalizations

Only very rarely do they come from a few rough barking sounds.

Etymology and History of Research

Marc Athanase Parfait Œillet Des Murs described the Streifenkarakara under the currently valid name Phalcoboenus carunculatus. The type specimen came from Colombia and has him by the brothers Edouard and Jules Verreaux.

The word Phalcoboenus is a word structure of the Greek words " phalkōn φάλκων " for " hawk " and " Baino βαίνω " go for " run ".

The word " carunculatus " comes from the Latin word " caruncula " for " small piece of flesh" from.

The Streifenkarakara say in Spanish matamico parameño and is also locally Curiquingue, matamico carunculado, caracara paramuno, caracara carunculado or Caraca Curiquingue called.