Black Caracara

The Black Caracara is a medium-large raptor of the Amazon basin, typically found along rivers, forest edges, and clearings rather than deep closed canopy. It is often seen in pairs or small groups, sometimes following army ant swarms or foraging near human settlements along rivers.

Its feathers are almost entirely glossy black, with the main distinguishing mark being a clean white patch at the base of the tail, visible when the bird spreads its tail in flight.

Because it favors river edges and forest clearings over deep interior forest, feathers are most often found along Amazonian waterways and settlement edges.

Shape and size

• Flight feathers are broad and rounded, suited to maneuvering along forest edges and river corridors; primaries can reach 26-30 cm.
• Tail feathers are mostly black with a distinct white base, forming a two-toned pattern.

Color and pattern

• Body and wing feathers are glossy black throughout.
• Basal tail feathers show a clean white patch, contrasting with the black distal portion.
• Shafts are dark on black portions, pale on the white tail base.

Similar species

• Distinguished from the Red-throated Caracara by lacking any white belly/vent patch (this species is essentially all black except for the white tail base); overall simpler, more uniform black plumage compared to most other caracaras.

Adults show glossy black plumage overall with a white tail base, sexes similar. Juveniles are duller and less glossy, with a less crisply defined white tail patch, sharpening with age.

Found along rivers, forest edges, and clearings throughout the Amazon basin of South America. It is largely resident and closely tied to lowland tropical river and forest-edge habitat.

Forages in pairs or small groups, often along riverbanks, forest edges, and sometimes near army ant swarms or human settlements, taking a mix of small animals, insects, and carrion. Nests in trees near water. Calls are harsh and raucous.

Field note: an all-black feather with a white base found along an Amazonian river edge or forest clearing is a good match for this species.