Deep Forest Canopy
Species Radar
Falcons and Caracaras

Mountain Caracara

Daptrius megalopterus

The mountain caracara, is a species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae. It is found in puna and páramo in the Andes, ranging from northern Ecuador, through Peru and Bolivia, to northern Argentina and Chile. It is generally uncommon to fairly common. It resembles the closely related carunculated caracara and white-throated caracara, but unlike those species, its chest is uniform black. Juveniles are far less distinctive than the red-faced pied adults, being overall brown with dull pinkish-grey facial skin.

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Low-Light Telephoto Systems

Identifying specific features of the Mountain Caracara requires high-contrast magnification. Check out the top-rated 8x42 optics.

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📘 ID Reference Card

Raptor ID Pocket Reference

Compact pocket-card format — print & fold. Covers plumage, field marks, and song mnemonics.

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