Striated Caracara Phalcoboenus australis

The Striated Caracara, also called Johnny Rook is native mainly to the Falkland Islands, but also present on some other southern islands including Tierra del Fuego. It is mainly a scavenger of carrion but will attack weakened sea-birds, their nestlings and sometimes new born lambs.

The adult male and female have similar plumage: a very dark brown body with light flecks on neck and chest, reddish-brown thighs and orange lores, legs and feet.

Juveniles are reddish brown and downy in their first year but then a shaggy dark brown/black with grey legs/feet until they acquire adult plumage at about five years.

Juveniles