Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis)

"Chile" is a new addition to the centre for 2009. She was bred in 2005 and has been used for displays at another bird of prey centre in the past. She will be in training for the Spring of 2009 and we hope that she will be used on Experience Days and also for our daily displays at the centre.

As Caracaras are naturally very intelligent birds we hope to show how she would search for food in the wild: underneath rocks, down burrows and taking food from dustbins.  

In the wild

Species is also known as Forster's Caracara and Johnny Rook (Falkland Islands)

Origin: The Falkland Islands and very southern islands of South America (Tierra del Fuego around Cape Horn).

Diet:  Mostly a scavenger, but nests near seabird colonies, particularly Rockhopper Penguins in Falklands. Also many invertebrates (terrestrial and marine) taken and foraged by scratching, digging and moving rocks. Single Caracaras, or groups of up to five or more, will also attack and sometimes kill apparently healthy full-grown birds such as Blue-eyed Cormorant, Upland Geese and Crested Duck. Also known to catch Petrels at night.

Habitat: Rocky coasts, adjacent tussock-grass lowlands and coastal mountain slopes, extending locally into forested areas.