Black caracara · Lablypedia

Since migration has not been observed, they are considered resident, or sedentary, remaining in the tropics year round. The genus Daptrius is often considered a monotypic taxon today, while some sources also include its close relative, the red-throated caracara, which is normally placed in the genus Ibycter.

D. ater are considered to be a widespread and sociable raptor, often spotted in groups of 2-5 individuals in tall trees. Nests, built from sticks and usually containing 2-3 brown-spotted eggs, have been observed high in trees, yet little is known of their breeding habits or reproduction. Typical of caracaras, D. ater is an omnivore as well as an opportunist, known simultaneously as a predator, scavenger and a forager; together with other American raptors, particularly the Cathartidae (new world vultures) and the condors, the black caracara benefits the greater environment by consuming carrion.

Taxonomy

The species Daptrius ater was first described by Louis Pierre Vieillot in 1816. It previously shared its genus with the red-throated caracara, which is now known as Ibycter americanus in the monotypic genus Ibycter. The inclusion of I. americanus in the genus Daptrius was made by ornithologist Herbert Friedmann in 1950, and backed up by Dean Amadon in 1968. However, a recent mitochondrial DNA and nuclear sequence data study focusing on caracaras and allies (subfamily Polyborinae) determined that these two species not only differ in genus, but are also arranged in polyphyly, meaning that they do not share a common most recent ancestor. Additionally, it was concluded that D. ater's closest relative is the yellow-headed caracara (Milvago chimachima), existing on the phylogenetic tree as a sister group.

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Description

Adult black caracara are a glossy black except for the distinctive white band on the base of the tail, and yellow to orange-red feet and face. The adults appear similar to those of their closest relative, the red-throated caracara, however they have distinctly long and narrow wings and tail, as well as a black beak. Additionally, the red-throated caracara can be distinguished from the black caracara by their red throats. The average adult length is 41–47 cm (16–19 in)-. The females of this species average 350–440 g (12–16 oz) and are typically larger than the males that have an average weight of 330 g (12 oz). Juveniles can be identified by their dull black plumage, pale yellow face and the 3-4 black bars found on the rectrices.

When observing flight from a distance, it is notable that Daptrius ater rarely soars, but instead can be seen continuously flapping.

Habitat and distribution

It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and heavily degraded former forest. Common habitats include gallery forest and wooded savanna that are situated between altitudes of 0 to 900 m (0 to 2,950 ft). Black caracara can also be found in mangroves and disturbed forested habitats along water.

Conservation status

IUCN estimates a fluctuating population of 1000-10000 individuals, with an adult population of 670-6700. Population declines have been documented over the past 10 years, however it is not presently considered critical. The designation of least concern is attributed to their large range, ability to survive in fragmented forest, and their diverse diet.

Behavior

The black caracara is most often seen in pairs or family groups, consisting of 3-5 birds, but may also be spotted alone. They have been observed flying in straight patterns with active wing-flapping, gliding, walking along rivers, and perching in tall trees. Other common sightings have famously associated them with tapir and capybara, as they have been observed cleaning ectoparasites and insects from the animals' fur. This interaction can be considered mutualistic, as tapirs will often solicit black caracaras, by emitting a call; the tapirs then lay still on the ground to attract the caracaras for insect and tick removal. They are also known to scavenge around human settlements, consume carrion, and exhibit the ability to catch fish along rivers and in lakes.

Diet

D. ater are known to eat almost anything, from vegetation to carrion to live prey; therefore, they are best described as an opportunistic omnivorous predator. More specifically, their diet may consist of nestlings and fledglings of numerous other bird species, mature smaller birds (such as flycatchers, parrots, pigeons), small mammals, frogs, lizards, snakes, numerous invertebrates, small fish, palm nuts and numerous varieties of fruits. With this diverse diet, they have developed many unique foraging and hunting strategies, including directly attacking the nests of other birds, searching the canopy foliage with their beaks for insects, and showing no fear around humans, when scavenging near towns or garbage sites.

Fishing

The diverse list of feeding strategies includes foraging small fish within their riverine habitats. D. ater make use of exposed rocks and emergent vegetation in and along rivers, walking slowly on these surfaces while peering into the water for small fish such as species of Characidae. Once the prey is spotted, they are caught using either the bill or talons then carried away from the river for consumption. Black caracara mostly fish in areas of fast moving rivers where migratory fish are forced to bottleneck and become trapped among plants or within shallow pools, reflecting their opportunistic nature.

Vocalization

This species can also be identified from other species by their harsh, piercing, single note kraaaa calls that usually occur during flight. This call is usually repeated several times, often ending in a decrescendo. They do not exhibit diverse vocalizations, restricted to variations in length and volume of their distinctive shriek.

Reproduction

There is only one observational record of a black caracara nest in Brazil being built from twigs 60–70 cm (24–28 in) in length, 25 m (82 ft) high in a tree. Little else is known about their reproductive behaviors.