Feeding and breeding records of the Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway in northwest South America [Registros de alimentación y reproducción del carancho norteño Caracara cheriway en el noroeste de Sudamérica]

The formation of trophic chains sheds light on the role that birds of prey play in ecosystem dynamics. We searched databases for information on the diet of the Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway and drew up a list of its prey species registered in northwest South America. During 2015 and 2018 birds were monitored at three sites in western Ecuador (Reserva Buenaventura, Urcuqui and Peñon del Rio) along linear transects (1000 m in length and 100 m in width) aimed at obtaining sightings and photographic records of this raptor. Nine relevant publications found in the databases consulted contained reports of a total of 22 prey species. Mammals and reptiles were the most diverse groups, each totalling 32% of the recorded prey items. During monitoring, we photographed predation on Pimocha Whitelipped Frog Leptodactylus labrosus, Iridescent Lizard of the Coast Stenocercus iridescens and Black Rat Rattus rattus. When hunting, Northern Crested Caracaras were observed to choose a high perch and make hunting flights over open ground and agricultural areas. We also detected a potshaped nest constructed from dry branches located in a tree at a height of 12 m above ground level, and observed parental care and nest changeovers. A literature review and our sightings identified three introduced species (Domestic Mouse Mus musculus, Black Rat and Common Sparrow Passer domesticus) for which Northern Crested Caracaras could act as a biological controller. We hope that this information will encourage further studies of the ecology and conservation of this species. © 2020 Institut Catala d'Ornitologia. All rights reserved.