The striated caracara (''Phalcoboenus australis'') is a

bird of prey Birds of prey or predatory birds, also known as raptors, are hypercarnivorous bird species that actively hunt and feed on other vertebrates (mainly mammals, reptiles and other smaller birds). In addition to speed and strength, these predat ...

of the family Falconidae. In the

Falkland Islands The Falkland Islands (; es, Islas Malvinas, link=no ) is an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean on the Patagonian Shelf. The principal islands are about east of South America's southern Patagonian coast and about from Cape Dubouze ...

, it is known as the Johnny rook, probably named after the Johnny penguin (

gentoo penguin The gentoo penguin ( ) (''Pygoscelis papua'') is a penguin species (or possibly a species complex) in the genus ''Pygoscelis'', most closely related to the Adélie penguin (''P. adeliae'') and the chinstrap penguin (''P. antarcticus''). The ea ...

Description

The adults' plumage is almost black in color, while the legs and lores are orange and the neck has silver striations. Chicks have chestnut down, which they lose after their first molt. Juveniles (i.e., after fledging until entering fourth year) have brown plumage with chestnut striations on nape and breast that deepen as they age. Full adult plumage is acquired after the fifth molt (i.e., entering fourth year), though the beak does not reach full adult coloration until the fifth year.

Distribution and habitat

The species breeds on coastal islands off

Tierra del Fuego Tierra del Fuego (, ; Spanish for "Land of the Fire", rarely also Fireland in English) is an archipelago off the southernmost tip of the South American mainland, across the Strait of Magellan. The archipelago consists of the main island, Isla ...

, through the Chilean fjords, and the outer islands of the Falklands archipelago. Although logistical challenges prohibit a comprehensive survey of the mainland population, the Falklands is thought to be the species stronghold. Historical records indicate the species range may have included East Falkland, however striated caracaras now breed only in the outer islands in association with penguin and albatross colonies.

Behaviour

Feeding

The striated caracara is primarily a scavenger, feeding on carrion, mainly dead

seabird Seabirds (also known as marine birds) are birds that are adapted to life within the marine environment. While seabirds vary greatly in lifestyle, behaviour and physiology, they often exhibit striking convergent evolution, as the same enviro ...

s and dead

sheep Sheep or domestic sheep (''Ovis aries'') are domesticated, ruminant mammals typically kept as livestock. Although the term ''sheep'' can apply to other species in the genus '' Ovis'', in everyday usage it almost always refers to domesticated ...

, offal and food scraps. Invertebrates also comprise a large part of their diet, including kelp fly larvae dug from intertidal kelp wrack, beetles, and earthworms dug from invasive grasses in hillside drainages. However, striated caracaras will opportunistically prey on weak or injured animals, such as young seabirds and newborn lambs, the latter which has led it to be persecuted by sheep farmers.

Breeding

The nest is built on the ground, tussac stands, or cliff ledges, where the female will lay up to 4 eggs. Their hatching is timed to coincide with the

nesting season The nesting season is the time of year during which birds and some other animals, particularly some reptiles, build nests, lay eggs in them, and in most cases bring up their young. It is usually in the spring. Bird conservation Bird conservat ...

s, providing a constant food supply for the chicks. Once chicks have fledged, they disperse and gather into flocks.

Status and conservation

The population in the Falklands is estimated at 500 breeding pairs. Juveniles and adults are almost entirely fearless of humans and treat their approach with indifference. Over time, conflict with the sheep farmers has led to a great reduction in their numbers. This is now being corrected by the

Falkland Islanders Falkland Islanders, also called FalklandersChater, Tony. ''The Falklands''. St. Albans: The Penna Press, 1996. p. 137. and nicknamed Kelpers, are the people of the British Overseas Territory of the Falkland Islands. Identity The Island ...

Gallery

File:Striated Caracara with a dead Gentoo Penguin chick (5557011581).jpg, Subadult striated caracara feeding on a dead

chick File:Striatedcaracara2.jpg, Juvenile (2 year old) striated caracara File:Striatedcaracara5.jpg File:Striatedcaracara1.jpg File:Phalcoboenus australis -Amazona Zoo, Cromer, Norfolk, England-8a.jpg, Subadult striated caracara at Amazona Zoo, Norfolk, England File:Striated Caracara on Sealion Island.jpg, Adult striated caracaras on Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands

References

External links

Falkland Islands Johnny Rooks
Facebook research page
Carancho austral en Tierra del Fuego
Facebook research page

issued for

* {{Taxonbar, from=Q916843

striated caracara The striated caracara (''Phalcoboenus australis'') is a bird of prey of the family Falconidae. In the Falkland Islands, it is known as the Johnny rook, probably named after the Johnny penguin ( gentoo penguin). Description The adults' plumage is ...

Birds of the Falkland Islands Birds of Tierra del Fuego