A large dark falcon-relative with a flat red face, distinctive crested head, and white throat. Often called the "Mexican eagle." Walks on the ground hunting prey and frequently scavenges roadkill.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The crested caracara is a bird of prey (raptor) in the falcon family, Falconidae. It was formerly placed in the genus Polyborus before being given in its own genus, Caracara. It is native to and found in the southern and southeastern United States, Mexico and the majority of mainland Latin America, as well as some Caribbean islands. The crested caracara is quite adaptable and hardy, for a species found predominantly in the neotropics; it can be found in a range of environments and ecosystems, including semi-arid and desert climates, maritime or coastal areas, subtropical and tropical forests, temperate regions, plains, swamps, and even in urban areas. Documented, albeit rare, sightings have occurred as far north as Minnesota and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island. The southern extent of the crested caracara's distribution can reach as far as Tierra del Fuego and Magallanes Region, Chile.
Source: Wikipedia — Crested caracara Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Boldly patterned raptor with a black cap and crest, a bare red-orange face, a pale neck and breast finely barred, a dark body, and white wing tips and tail base; flies on flat wings.
Similar species. Vultures are all-dark with naked heads and teeter in flight; the caracara's black cap, red face, and patterned plumage are unmistakable.
Voice. A low, dry rattle or cackle (the source of the name 'caracara'), often given with the head thrown back.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Small birds, mammals, insects.
Behavior. A long-legged, ground-walking falcon-relative of southern open country; scavenges carrion alongside vultures, walks about hunting small prey, and pirates food from other birds.
§ Range
Southern US (Florida, Texas, Arizona) into Mexico and South America
§ Habitat
Open grasslands, prairie, mesquite savanna
§ Threats
Habitat loss, vehicle strikes, lead poisoning from scavenged carcasses.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the crested caracara is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Don't use lead ammunition. Support grassland conservation. Drive slowly on rural roads.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Crested caracara
- www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Caracara plancus
- IUCN Red List — search for Caracara plancus
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Caracara plancus
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
- National Audubon Society
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List
