The black caracara (Daptrius ater) is a species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae found in Amazonian and French Guianan lowlands, occurring commonly along rivers.

They are locally referred to as Ger' futu busikaka[2] in the Republic of Suriname, and juápipi {nẽjõmbʌ} by the Emberá of Panamá and Colombia.

Additionally, it was concluded that D. ater's closest relative is the yellow-headed caracara (Milvago chimachima), existing on the phylogenetic tree as a sister group.

The adults appear similar to those of their closest relative, the red-throated caracara, however they have distinctly long and narrow wings and tail, as well as a black beak.

[13] It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.

They have been observed flying in straight patterns with active wing-flapping, gliding, walking along rivers, and perching in tall trees.

[18] With this diverse diet, they have developed many unique foraging and hunting strategies, including directly attacking the nests of other birds, searching the canopy foliage with their beaks for insects, and showing no fear around humans, when scavenging near towns or garbage sites.

D. ater make use of exposed rocks and emergent vegetation in and along rivers, walking slowly on these surfaces while peering into the water for small fish such as species of Characidae.

[21] There is only one observational record of a black caracara nest in Brazil being built from twigs 60–70 cm (24–28 in) in length, 25 m (82 ft) high in a tree.