Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway)
Caracara and Falcon Family (Falconidae)
The Crested Caracara is a territorial, long-legged, dark-colored, vulturelike raptor, reaching about 2-ft body length and a 4-ft wingspan. The bare facial skin and feet are yellowish orange to red. The bill is a whitish blue. It has a black crown and crest. The cheek, throat, and neck are white to creamy white. The breast is white to tawny with black barring. The tail is off white with dark banding and a black terminal band. The wings have white patches and barring at the ends. The female is slightly larger than the male. Juveniles are tawny brown rather than black and have buffy cheeks and streaks rather than barring on breast. It prefers to nest in cabbage palm. It is mostly silent, but will make a hollow rattling when agitated. It breeds from September through April, though mostly January through March. Found in AZ, FL, LA, NM, and TX in the US. It is found in open habitats, including prairies, pastures, and agricultural areas. Often seen on the ground walking and searching for prey or perched. It eats many things, including large insects, fish, birds, mammals, and especially carrion. Also known as Mexican Eagle, Audubon's Caracara, and Mexican Buzzard and known as Polyborus plancus audubonii by some authorities. Listed as Threatened federally & in FL; Species of Concern in AZ & LA.
Copyright Brett Miley
