Yellow-headed Caracara
Milvago chimachima
Also known as: Chimachima, Cattle Hawk
The Yellow-headed Caracara is a small, opportunistic bird of prey found across savannas, pastures, and forest edges of Central and South America. Unlike most falcons, it is largely a scavenger and insect-hunter, often seen walking on the ground or perched on the backs of cattle, picking off ticks and other parasites. Its adaptability to open, human-altered landscapes has allowed the species to thrive and expand its range alongside cattle ranching and deforestation.
Yellow-headed Caracara Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions About the Yellow-headed Caracara
The Yellow-headed Caracara is largely resident and is associated with Savanna, pastures, and open woodland edges in Central and South America.
The Yellow-headed Caracara can be found in Central and South America and is most often associated with Savanna, pastures, and open woodland edges.
The Yellow-headed Caracara feeds on Insects, carrion, small vertebrates, fruit and is considered a omnivore.
The Yellow-headed Caracara is currently listed as Least Concern, with an increasing population trend. Main threats include Habitat loss, Persecution.
The Yellow-headed Caracara is usually pairs or small family groups.
The Yellow-headed Caracara is typically diurnal.
The main threats facing the Yellow-headed Caracara include Habitat loss and Persecution.
The Yellow-headed Caracara population trend is currently increasing.
Well-known places to look for the Yellow-headed Caracara include Llanos (Venezuela/Colombia) and Pantanal (Brazil).
Natural predators of the Yellow-headed Caracara include Larger raptors and Snakes (eggs and chicks).
Widely regarded by ranchers as a beneficial species due to its role in controlling cattle ticks.
The Yellow-headed Caracara is part of the Falconidae family and a Falconiformes order.
The Yellow-headed Caracara weighs about 0.32 kg, stands around 46 cm tall, reaches about 46 cm in length, and has a wingspan of about 95 cm.
The Yellow-headed Caracara can reach speeds of around 65 km/h.
