The Guadalupe Caracara (Polyborus lutosus) is an extinct member of the raptor family of birds. It inhabited Mexico's Guadalupe Island until the beginning of the 20th century. Specimens are available for display in Chicago, Washington, and London. The Crested Caracara is commonly incorrectly referred to as a Guadalupe Caracara.

It was described as evil and vicious by early observers. It likely preyed on goats, and was driven to extinction by a hunting and poisoning campaign led by goatherders on Guadalupe Island. The last living specimen was recorded shot on 1 December 1901 by collector Rollo Beck.

See also: Extinct birds

References

• Fuller, E. Extinct Birds of the World QL676.8.F85 1987 ISBN 0-8160-1833-2 p.58
• Greenway, J. C. Extinct and Vanishing Birds of the World QL676.7.G7 1967 p.184
• King, W. Endangered Birds of the World; The ICBP Bird Red Data Book QL676.7.K56 1981 ISBN 0-87474-584-5 Preamble 8

External Links

• Extinction: Guadalupe Caracara UWSP (http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/heywood/geog358/extinctb/GCaracar.htm)
• Carolina Raptor Center - Raptor Species: Crested Caracara (http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/c_caracara.php)