The Carancho, also known under the name of traro for the vocalization it performs, which is similar to the sound of a rattle, this raptor is characterized by having a dark brown body and white head with a dark hood. The base of its beak and bare sections of its face are yellowish-orange to reddish.
It can be found from central Brazil and southern Peru to southern Argentina and Chile. In Chile it can be found throughout the country, from Arica to Tierra del Fuego. It inhabits a wide variety of environments, including forests, pampas and steppes, mountains, and on the coast. It is a very common bird to observe perched on high branches of trees or on fence posts.
It is an animal that feeds mainly on carrion, but also on live prey such as birds, rodents, insects, reptiles, amphibians and fish, which it does not capture from the air, but attacks them by running agilely on the ground. It is a common animal to observe feeding on the carrion of large prey such as domestic animals or guanacos.
Photos: Pía Vergara @piavergarafotografia
Text: Nicolás Lagos @nicolagos_s