Distribution, nesting records and notes on the ecology of the Whitethroated Caracara

GRANDE, J. M.; RIVAS-FUENZALIDA, T.; DÍAZ-TAVIE, J.; ASUN, C.; CASTRILLI, S.; ZIEHLMANN MENA, E.; ROMO-CANCINO, D.; PENDARIES, M.; FASOLA, L.; GABARAIN, G.; IMBERTI, S.; RICCI, M.; PADRON, M. F.; BEJARANO, N.; SYMPSON, L.; BEAUDEOIN, F.; DÍAZ-PEÑA, M.; SAHORES, M.; PARITSIS, J.; GORLERI, F. C.; ROESLER, IGNACIO

Albuquerque

Congreso; Raptor Research Annual Conference; 2023

Raptor Research Foundation

Endemic to Patagonia, the White-throated Caracara (Phalcoboenus albogularis) is one of the least studied caracara species, with several aspects of its ecology, such as breeding biology and diet, largely unexplored. Taking advantage of opportunistic observations on touristic travels and during fieldwork with other taxa in the species distribution area, we collected data on breeding biology, nesting sites and diet of the species. We also created the first distribution model using citizen science data. We recorded 24 White-throated Caracara nests in Chile and Argentina. Nests were located at 1038.04±89.57 m above sea level (mean ± SE; N=23, range 20-1963) in rocky outcrops and cliffs of 42.59±9.79 m (range 4-200, N=22) and at 28.00±5.72 m (range 3-100, N=22) from the base of the cliff. The species nesting season starts in September and ends in March, althoughwith some regional variation. The modal brood size is of two fledglings and most nests seem to be used yearly and breed successfully. The species predominantly occupies the highland plateaus of Austral Patagonia, the Andes Range up to 41º South, and southern Tierra del Fuego. The breedingand winter range models indicate a consistent distribution without significant latitudinal changes and a small transition to lower elevation grounds to the east of the Andes in winter.The White-throated Caracara remains a poorly known scavenger in southern South America and requires further attention to ensure the preservation of its critical ecological functions in Southern Patagonia