'It was quick,' says resident who filmed carcará with plover in its claws; see
A recent video captured a carcará predating a plover in a condominium in Franca, Brazil, highlighting unusual hunting behavior.
In a rare sighting, a resident named Miguel Veronez filmed a carcará (Caracara plancus) catching a quero-quero (Vanellus chilensis) in a condominium located in Franca, São Paulo. The interaction, which took place unexpectedly while Veronez was at work, lasted about two minutes, showcasing the raw moments of predator and prey in nature. The video has drawn attention from locals eager to witness such a remarkable event in their community.
Ornithologist Fernando Igor de Godoy provided insights on the behavior of the carcará, stating that despite being a member of the falcon family, this bird is not a specialized hunter. Instead, it typically feeds on carrion or scavenged food, making this predation scene unusual for the species. This behavior raises questions about the adaptability of the carcará in urban environments where food sources may become scarce.
The incident also highlights the opportunistic feeding strategies of carcarás, often seen trailing behind vultures to locate food. This footage serves not only as a spectacle of nature but also as a reminder of the intricate food webs and survival tactics present in urban wildlife, prompting discussions on how these creatures interact with their environment, especially in increasingly developed areas.