Peregrine Falcon vs White-throated Caracara
Falco peregrinus compared with Phalcoboenus albogularis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Peregrine Falcon | White-throated Caracara |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Falco peregrinus | Phalcoboenus albogularis |
| Order | Falconiformes | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae | Falconidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 43.0 cm (16.9 in) | — |
| Wingspan | 104.0 cm (40.9 in) | 75.4 cm (29.7 in) |
| Weight | 750.0 g (26.46 oz) | 791.0 g (27.90 oz) |
| Diet | Almost exclusively medium-sized birds caught in flight, including pigeons, doves, waterfowl, and songbirds. Hunts with … | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-4 | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Peregrine Falcon only
White-throated Caracara only
Peregrine Falcon
Diverse habitats from tundra to tropics, typically near cliffs or tall structures. Increasingly found in cities nesting on skyscrapers and bridges.
Song & Call Comparison
Peregrine Falcon
A harsh, wailing 'kak-kak-kak-kak' repeated rapidly in defense of the nest. Alarm call is a long screaming 'raaak'. Mostly silent away from breeding sites.
White-throated Caracara
Geographic Range & Migration
Peregrine Falcon
One of the most widespread birds, found on every continent except Antarctica. Migratory populations travel vast distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
White-throated Caracara
Conservation Status
Peregrine Falcon
White-throated Caracara
How to Tell Them Apart
Peregrine Falcon
Blue-grey upperparts with barred white underparts. A distinctive black moustachial stripe contrasts with the white throat and cheeks.
Short, notched blue-grey bill with a yellow cere
White-throated Caracara
About These Birds
Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds over 389 km/h during its characteristic hunting stoop. Like the bald eagle, peregrines suffered dramatic declines from DDT but have recovered through intensive conservation programs. They have adapted remarkably well to urban environments.