Guadalupe Caracaras were raptors that bred in arid scrublands and open woodlands on Guadalupe Island, Mexico, during the spring and summer months.
Guadalupe Caracaras were commonly found in coastal cliffs, rocky outcrops, and open areas with sparse vegetation where small mammals, birds, and insects were abundant during the breeding season.
They foraged in rocky terrains and along coastal areas for seabird eggs, nestlings, small mammals like mice and rats, and large insects. They also fed on carrion and marine invertebrates such as crabs and mollusks.
Guadalupe Caracaras had strong, hooked beaks and powerful talons adapted for hunting and tearing apart their prey. They were skilled scavengers and opportunistic feeders, able to exploit a variety of food sources.
Guadalupe Caracaras were notable for their robust build, dark brown or blackish plumage, distinctive facial markings, and white neck, breast, and belly. The head was mostly bare, with reddish-orange facial skin and a hooked beak. The eyes were surrounded by bright orange or red skin, giving it a unique and striking appearance.
One peculiar behavior of the Guadalupe Caracara was its habit of using tools. It was known to use sticks and other objects to extract invertebrates from crevices or to probe the ground for food. This behavior was considered remarkable as tool use is relatively rare among bird species.
Courtship involved complex aerial maneuvers and vocalizations. Pairs performed synchronized flights and engaged in mutual preening, reinforcing their bond before the breeding season.
Nests were built on rocky ledges, cliffs, or in low trees and shrubs, often using sticks, twigs, and other plant materials. Nesting sites were chosen for their inaccessibility to ground predators and proximity to foraging areas. Egg-laying occurred in the late spring.
Females laid 2-3 eggs, which both parents incubated for about 28-32 days. After hatching, both adults fed the chicks with small mammals, birds, and insects, providing a varied and nutritious diet.
Chicks learned to forage by following their parents and mimicking their hunting techniques. As they grew, they became more adept at catching prey and avoiding threats. Vulnerabilities included predation by larger raptors and human disturbances.
Fledging occurred when chicks were around 6-7 weeks old, after which they continued to receive parental guidance. Young caracaras gradually became more independent, improving their hunting skills and diversifying their diet.
Guadalupe Caracaras faced significant threats from human activities and introduced species. Hunting by settlers and sailors for sport and perceived threats to livestock greatly reduced their numbers. The introduction of invasive species, such as cats and goats, disrupted their habitat and prey availability. Cats preyed on caracara eggs and chicks, while goats overgrazed vegetation, leading to habitat degradation.
Efforts to protect the Guadalupe Caracara were minimal and largely ineffective. By the time conservationists recognized the species’ plight, their numbers had already plummeted. Attempts to control invasive species and prevent further habitat destruction were insufficient to reverse the decline.
By the early 20th century, these pressures had driven the species to extinction, with the last confirmed sighting in 1903.
Numerous searches and expeditions were conducted in the early 20th century in hopes of finding surviving individuals. Researchers and ornithologists explored remote areas of Guadalupe Island where the birds were historically found.
No verified sightings of Guadalupe Caracaras have been reported since the early 20th century. Occasional unconfirmed sightings and anecdotal reports have sparked brief interest and renewed searches. Despite this, no concrete evidence of the species’ survival has been found, and the Guadalupe Caracara is considered extinct.
