Filming the World's Smartest Raptors

Filmmakers travel to the remote Falkland Islands to meet the world’s smartest raptor.
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“Raptors: A Fistful of Daggers | A NATURE miniseries" premieres on Wednesdays, April 10-17, 2024, at 8|7c on PBS and KZbin.
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Nature is a production of The WNET Group for PBS. Throughout its history, Nature has brought the natural world to millions of viewers. The PBS series has been consistently among the most-watched primetime series on public television.
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The remote Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic are home to the world’s most intelligent bird of prey, the striated caracara. In this behind-the-scenes film, a camera team travels there to reveal the surprising ways these curious raptors survive.
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[@JDH_MUSIC]

The most impressive part was how they used their claw as a pulley so they didn't have to back away.

[@danthomas6587]

That was really impressive how they did that.

[@mamotalemankoe3775]

Noticed that too.

[@MVP469]

And I thought they were dumb for doing that 💀

[@fallinginthed33p]

It would be funnier if those birds saw the experiment being set up and just did the same steps in reverse.

[@Uniquemovievault]

@@MVP469 Turns out they are smarter than you lmao

[@gangewifre]

I would absolutely watch an entire documentary about the way these guys interact with the crew, they're such clowns!

[@bluewolfwalking]

As would I!

[@tulsacaupain2882]

Yes, I would to.

[@d.h.7345]

They are called Johnny Rooks. Saw a doc a long time ago about them. Very interesting.

[@danip3270]

Always interesting to watch intelligent animal behavior! Always worth a watch. I agree!

[@lt7388]

Such adorable babies

[@RoseNZieg]

the crew: hoping for natural behaviors from the birds the birds:

[@kiuk_kiks]

Caracara’s a great example of island tameness aspect of evolutionary psychology. They evolved without any predators so they’re fearless because fear is an evolved trait.

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

Caracaras* are* a great example ...

[@shawns6520]

@@einundsiebenziger5488❤😂reorganized

[@Onigirli]

@@einundsiebenziger5488 What's with the ellipses? You getting a little judge-y there?

[@Yogesh-kr7bo]

​Grammar police 🚨 🤢​@@einundsiebenziger5488

[@hank87]

​@@einundsiebenziger5488"Caracara (the species/genus) is a great example" is grammatically correct and formatted appropriately by contracting it to "Caracara's" in the comment you're replying to. It genuinely doesn't matter even a little bit, but if we're going to be pedantic, let's go whole hog.

[@gertrudewest4535]

Darwin also referred to them as an irritating pile of feathers.

[@VidralliaArchives]

Fair enough. I mean, if were a wounded elephant seal and a bird came and yanked at my wounds, I'd be using far more colorful language than that to describe them. Who knows what they did to T-off Darwin.

[@davecrupel2817]

They strike me as being as pesky as seagulls. So that makes sense.

[@shoubidou-bah3175]

Darwin in general had a very interesting way of describing his feelings towards species he had newly discovered :D

[@loftyradish6972]

Knowing that Darwin was also a member of a club that ate and reviewed different exotic species, I did wonder if they left out a review of "delicious" or "stringy."

[@VidralliaArchives]

2:24 "Uh... that's not what I meant when I said I wanted to get you ON camera."

[@jaungiga]

It's even more surprising when you consider that their cousins, the crested caracaras are not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed. Or, to be more precise, they have the sharpness of a hammer

[@donnahensel7211]

I saw the crested caracara often when living in Venezuela. They didn't act at all like these brilliant raptors!

[@jaungiga]

@@donnahensel7211 I see them very frequently around here because they're native to this part of the world and because I birdwatch. In the past few months, I saw twice a crested caracara peeling off for a loooong time the fur of some little animal they had catched (they do that to get to the meat), only to discover when I looked through my binoculars that one "animal" was a chunk of clothes' padding and the other, a balled up plastic bag... Not very bright at all

[@touremuhammad5983]

Exactly! These birds are more like ravens than raptors.

[@ronstoppable1133]

I'd hypothesize the environment Crested Caracaras live in doesnt require much in terms of problem solving in order for them to survive

[@gertrudewest4535]

That’s definitely not true. I have four cacracara friends down here in the Sonoran desert. They are more shy, but spectacular.

[@komikbookgeek]

"Were hoping to see some natural behaviors" Lol LITTLE DID YOU KNOW

[@bemusedbandersnatch2069]

Haha, that Caracara just hopping on the camera instead of in front of it. I love these behind the scenes shorts.

[@PhantomFilmAustralia]

5:41 Pulls string a few times. Finds two months worth of tomahawk rib-eye steak at the other end. Raptor: "You gotta be s**tting me!??"

[@obsidironpumicia4074]

7:20 "Ehm-" (Atomizes pants with earth-rending fart) "Excuse the elephant seals." Good cover, mate.

[@melvinshine9841]

I love the visual of the caracara sitting *on* the camera and just looking at the photographer like, "'Sup, bro?".

[@StodaGryph]

Those behaviors, and their movements, seem /really/ parrot-like. Really interesting.

[@jrodowens]

Not too far away from the parrots (and the corvids for that matter) on the Aves branch - for what that is worth

[@Calamity_Jack]

Funny you mention that. I was thinking they remind me a little of kākāpōs, nocturnal, flightless parrots found in New Zealand. They're also intelligent, curious, and social birds.

[@janwellington8663]

I'd say their interaction with you WAS natural.

[@GarthWatkins-th3jt]

Right you are. You have more accurate "science" to offer than an actual scientist. Or maybe you just threw something out there to see if it would stick. No, don't think so. Cheers

[@andrewhopkins886]

@@GarthWatkins-th3jt I'm pretty sure what they meant by "natural" was "what they do when humans aren't around". I don't think camera equipment is native to the falklands. Also they literally said they aren't real scientists... they're a camera crew.

[@lockout6896]

At 0.32 I already like the personality of this raptor 😂😂 They seem to act a lot like ravens and crows and even kind of look like a mix of a raptor and a raven kinda 😅

[@medusagorgon8432]

I love when animals visit with their curiosity on full blast. They fly over, climb on the photographer, or pop in for a snuggle.

[@bigbobt45]

I remember visiting Sea Lion Island while in the Royal Navy, we were sitting having our packed lunch while out having a walk and these Kara Kara just flew in next to us to share our lunch, eating right out of our hand, i loved them, very friendly.

[@sedamcclurg9699]

PLEASE keep going with the research on these birds. They are caracara's but many of their actions, gang related nature, and high intelligence are also very much like harris hawks that live/thrive in desert (again harsh landscapes) would love for someone to continue the great work. Thank you!

[@sim-sam]

I'm not a bird scientist I'm no intelligent-behaviour scientist I'm no scientist at all I like this bird like this vlog! well done.

[@improbablehandle]

I'd never have thought snot had any food value - let alone elephant seal snot.

[@ShearwaterBand]

This is so great to see. I've loved these birds for almost 30 years (and first met them on Sea Lion Island, where they filmed this piece). I loved them so much, in fact, that I wrote a book about them (and the other 8 caracara species, which are just as weird and wonderful), called A Most Remarkable Creature. If you enjoyed this video, you might get a kick out of the book; it's a wild, epic journey through their lives and origins, and the people who live with them. Caracaras 4eva! - Jonathan Meiburg

[@gertrudewest4535]

I read your book! I love the Johnny rook, too!!!!

[@mandywestenra6442]

They are like the Kea in New Zealand!

[@theck672]

Thanks for this behind the scenes of a truly amazing series❣️❣️❣️

[@danthomas6587]

I'd bet that if you left a cell phone there they could call for a pizza delivery.

[@lemon7933]

idk what is more interesting documentation of the animals or the documentation of the cameramen

[@martinmoody3887]

Similar in behaviour to Keas in New Zealand who, although from the parrot family, eats meat and have an omnivorous diet and are known as tricksters and 'the clowns of the alps' in many respects the same behaviour. The curiosity, resourcefulness and problem solving skills are embedded in these birds as a means of survival in harsh conditions. Beautiful footage of a bird that is obviously somewhat unique in its nomenclature..❤

[@nikiTricoteuse]

I agree. As a New Zealander l was immediately reminded of Kea. Our favourite naughty birds.

[@debn6347]

Fantastic- pure gold. Love this. Thanks!

[@daniellemurphy9755]

They're also quite gorgeous to look at

[@shelleyeatz]

The caracaras cracked me up so much 😂😂😂

[@HelenCamile63]

It was fun to watch the Caracara be curious about the humans and their accoutrements. ❤

[@anettestache91]

Der Kea unter den Greifvögeln.😍🤩

[@wheelheart]

2:24 The smile when a birb scratches your $70K cameralens with its deadly sharp talon.

[@touremuhammad5983]

These birds are more like ravens than raptors, in my opinion. Just as curious & playful.

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

On the other hand ravens also show raptor behavior as they don't hesitate to kill smaller animals for food.

[@fishyfishyfishy500akabs8]

@@einundsiebenziger5488let’s be fair, it’s not like little songbirds will pass up devouring a lizard or bug small enough to swallow. I’ve seen a sparrow fly after, catch, then rip and swallow the legs off a moth nearly as big as it is and leave it for dead, almost like a peregrine will rip the choice bits of its prey out to eat

[@Kell-ic7yn]

My dream job. I would absolutely love to film wildlife. ❤

[@Wookie911]

You should def. Do it. I believe in you.

[@joseluisperezjr3285]

This is absolutely incredible!! Even used his claw to hold down the string

[@mynameisnotrick2768]

I've had Caracara with the white patches and orange on the head screw with us while fishing off the beaches in the Gulf of Mexico. They really are tenacious

[@mariekastler5391]

Whatever behavior they exibit is "natural". They have learned to cast a wide net to survive their food desert. When the people start with the intelligence tests, the Caracara were like "Finally, maybe they (we) Can be taught!"

[@crisptomato9495]

4:23 those eyes though damn!

[@andrewgoodbody2121]

They both had the bluest eyes I've ever seen!

[@wither5673]

they are just silly little guys lol.

[@philoctetes_wordsworth]

Wouldn’t Darwin‘s observations of the Caracara mean that their curiosity and vigilance were in fact “natural behaviors”? What you meant to say is natural behaviors that were not involving humans and their tech.🤗

[@cammieg4381]

Wonderful to see the behind the scenes!!

[@Scavenger82]

It's like a hawk that was raised by crows.

[@beanie237]

ive been here my step father was posted there for 2 years, and its a fantastic place if you like wildlife, and yes they are very persistent lol quite often if people are walking along the beaches they carry sticks, as they like to swoop at you if you are not in groups. Elephant seals in real life are huge too. we got taken to Saunders island and dropped off for a few hours to wander around and look at the wildlife was an amazing experience.

[@MrGuru666999]

"We are not scientists" Yes you are, you are curious of a thesis, you are testing it. Maybe not with the rigorous protocols, but still it is science.

[@kayeroskaft9619]

So fun to watch this. Thank you

[@eewilson9835]

I love thier fur pants, and the individual connection shared with the personality in a one on one situation! So Make More, and really go all in a la Birds of Telegraph Hill but with remote wild Raptors, way way beyond where ddt hit.

[@BobyChanMan]

"Extraordinarily tame, and fearless. Very mischievous, and inquisitive. Quarralesome, and passionate" Sounds just like a human. Perhaps one day I'll get the oppurtunity to meet one of the little fellows.

[@dalmaxian]

1:27 the screech got me, idk why😆

[@gertrudewest4535]

The Johnny rooks are absolutely some of my favorites!

[@j3m403]

that's such a nice chop lol

[@travisolander4749]

crew: "we're hoping for some natural behavior from these wild raptors" the bird: "sup dude you got any more steak on a string?"

[@garlandstyle5797]

That had to be a blast. Nice Job.

[@NewMessage]

Honorary corvids.

[@SEObirder]

Striated Caracara's look much more falconish than the rest of the caracaras in my opinion, makes sense since caracaras and falcons share a family.

[@Hallands.]

2:08 They remind me of the New Zealand Kea.

[@chir0pter]

Incredible! They're like keas! Fun facts: caracaras are actually falcons, and falcons are essentially stem-parrots! But still, they must have evolved their intelligence independently

[@tonyha3827]

On the second experiment, wouldn't it be the smell that guided it to the meat string?

[@sedamcclurg9699]

Raptors aren't known for great smell, their primary sense is their sight.

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

@@sedamcclurg9699 Vultures, which are also members of the raptor (accipitridae) family, do have a keen sense of smell. In the US they are observed as a means to detect leaks in gas pipelines as they gather around those because gas to them smells like rotting carcasses. To be precise, caracaras are not hawks but falcons which are closer related to parrots than hawks.

[@Mornomgir]

Film crew arrives to document birds in their natural habitat. The film crew IS the natural habitat.

[@alanatolstad4824]

Fascinating!

[@kharmastreams8319]

The Caracara just casually chilling on a $70.000 cine lens 🙂

[@haggielady]

Thank you Matt Hamilton. I love the behind the scenes looks. Please do more if possible.

[@nealpobrien]

Awesome, please do more like this!

[@jameshirsch4535]

Amazing cinematography.

[@mrwest5552]

Fascinating.

[@peterbathum2775]

Thank you for sharing

[@ChiefMoteef]

The Booger Buzzard🦅

[@CatM23]

😂

[@RiddledEnigma93]

That would be a fun job to do!~

[@catpax6075]

Amazing 🤩

[@RealJohnWayne]

I ❤ Raptors!!

[@mark6302]

im as amazed at the lens on that camera as i am by the bird

[@debbieneel8344]

I did watch this on PBS ,very good,only nothing about the Harpy Eagle of South America

[@Funckle73]

Velociraptor pack !🥰. One day all of this will be a “Jurassic “ park too🫣

[@jasonbanh6175]

This is my charnel. Thanks. From long distance 🎉

[@monolithiccelestial9636]

Harris hawks are incredibly intelligent as well.

[@userbosco]

Watching the behavior of these birds make me wonder if they're descended from crows. LOL.

[@omerthaika]

Great video

[@zachb8012]

They're like the crows of New Caledonia. The Falkland islands aren't even all that different and lie at a similar latitude. The pressures of surviving in an environment like that drives them to utilize a variety of difficult and emerging food sources, which favors intelligence and problem solving. Bird intelligence is pretty easy to see but hard to describe, it's in the way they look at things. You can see the gears turning in their brains. You see it in crows, the Kookaburra, and after this program my new favorite bird - the striated caracara. It's a very different look than a mallard, dove, or osprey. Their brain is clearly their greatest tool and the eyes are like a window.

[@oliviapellicer7376]

Ah, Johnny Rooks. They're something else.

[@Chr.U.Cas2216]

👍👌👏 Oh WOW, simply fantastic! Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and especially health to all involved life forms (humans, animals and plants).

[@bobbyvee9950]

They do remind me of crows.

[@trumpetmano]

Smart like Ravens and Crows for sure.

[@cathie9614]

They remind me of juvenile bald eagles which are very inquisitive ... And the eagles are very smart. I follow 12 Live bald Eagle nests on KZbin. Raptor birds are very smart and they adapt to their surroundings.

[@Dogrin]

This are also called "chimangos" in Argentina, and hunters have a saying there: don't waste your bullet on a chimango.

[@whitehawk9606]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@elpirata5468]

if they are anything like ravens there's no surprise there

[@fastm3980]

Smart and cool birds but I prefer an Ariel attack😂 on prey

[@nothanks3236]

Most wildlife photographers have to go searching for their subjects. But the Caracara just comes to you.

[@lavenderflowersfall280]

Cool!

[@dustinscheller7795]

I'd love to have one as a free range pet

[@CooManTunes]

I made elephant seal snot soup recently. Very salty stuff!

[@fallinginthed33p]

They're like crows in hawk bodies.

[@graemepennell]

What is best, is it uses its feet as a lever. THAT is the most impressive part.

[@DirectorOfChaos9292]

They behave very much like corvids

[@sfxmaven]

Read more about caracaras in Jonathan Meiburg's excellent book "A Most Remarkable Creature"!!

[@Maybe1Someday]

Just wait til they learn how to use weapons, we're in trouble

[@kronk358]

Mischevious isnt a word, PBS

[@emenem6131]

The call and character I thought yep that’s a crow or raven 😉

[@johnwillett3439]

Super cool!

[@a24-45]

these birds remind me a bit of keas(carnivorous parrots) in New Zealand. They are also very inquisitive.

[@carlg788]

Most naturalist film crews - we spent weeks camped out for one shot of an elusive animal. These guys - mobbed as soon as they get off the boat

[@partlycloudy5049]

Their behaviour reminds me of the Kea.