Head to head
Carunculated Caracara vs White-throated Caracara
Carunculated Caracara
VS White-throated Caracara
Both belong to the same ground-foraging Phalcoboenus caracara group, but their ranges sit at nearly opposite ends of the Andes.
| Carunculated Caracara | White-throated Caracara | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Phalcoboenus carunculatus | Phalcoboenus albogularis |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Range | High Andes of Ecuador and Colombia | Southern Andes and Patagonia |
| Distinguishing feature | Fleshy orange-red facial caruncles | White throat and chest against dark plumage |
| Position within the genus | Most northerly Phalcoboenus caracara | Among the most southerly Phalcoboenus caracaras |
| Tameness around humans | Shows relatively little fear of people | Notably bold and confident around human settlements |
| Habitat | Mountains, grassland | Mountains, grassland |
| Diet | Small animals and carrion | Carrion, small mammals, birds, insects |
Carunculated Caracara vs White-throated Caracara: common questions
Which caracara ranges further north?
The carunculated caracara does, restricted to high Andean grassland in Ecuador and Colombia, the most northerly member of the Phalcoboenus caracara group, while the white-throated caracara is confined to the far south.
How can you tell these two caracaras apart?
The carunculated caracara shows fleshy orange-red caruncles around the face, while the white-throated caracara is identified by a striking white throat and chest contrasting against dark plumage.
Are both caracaras bold around people?
Yes, both show relatively little fear of humans, readily approaching farms, trails, and camps in search of food, a trait shared broadly across the Phalcoboenus caracara group.