Black Caracara vs Merlin

Daptrius ater compared with Falco columbarius

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Black Caracara Merlin
Scientific Name Daptrius ater Falco columbarius
Order Falconiformes Falconiformes
Family Falconidae Falconidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 62.1 cm (24.4 in) 39.9 cm (15.7 in)
Weight 353.0 g (12.45 oz) 193.0 g (6.81 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-3 3-6
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Black Caracara only

Merlin only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Black Caracara

Least Concern

Merlin

About These Birds

Black Caracara

The Black Caracara is a medium-sized, all-black falcon relative of Amazonian and Guianan forests and riverine habitats, with a bare orange-red facial skin and white tail tip. It ranges widely across the Amazon Basin from Venezuela and the Guianas south to Bolivia and Brazil, inhabiting the edges of rivers, lakes, and flooded forests. It feeds on carrion, insects, fruit, and small vertebrates.

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