Unlike adults, juvenile Caracaras (such as the one pictured) exhibit paler facial skin tones, typically ranging from greyish-pink to dull purple. In adults, this coloration matures into vibrant yellows and oranges, reaching a deep reddish-orange during periods of high arousal or territorial defense.
These colors result from the interplay between carotenoid pigmentation and rapid changes in blood flow. Adults possess more concentrated skin pigments, where increased circulation (vasodilation) intensifies the hue toward red. Conversely, reduced blood flow—associated with rest, submission, or specific stressors—causes the skin to pale, revealing primarily the yellow carotenoid base.
In essence, the coloration of the cere and facial skin serves as a dynamic visual signal, reflecting the bird’s age, social status, and immediate physiological state.
• Carancho
• Southern crested caracara
Scientific classification:
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Falconiformes
Family:Falconidae
Subfamily:Polyborinae
Genus:Caracara
Species:C. plancus
San José, Uruguay
Camera: Canon EOS R7
Lens: Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary
Capture Information:
Focal Length: 468.0 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/800
Aperture: f/6.3
ISO: 250
Photo Taken: February 15, 2026
High resolution
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