Crested Caracara

About

The Crested Caracara is a distinctive raptor, often described as a 'terrestrial falcon' due to its preference for walking and running on the ground. It is characterized by its bold black and white plumage, a prominent crest, and a brightly colored face. Unlike most falcons, it is an opportunistic scavenger and predator, frequently seen foraging in open country.

Size & lifespan

Length

50-65 cm (20-26 in)

Wingspan

120-132 cm (47-52 in)

Weight

1000-1600 g (2.2-3.5 lbs)

Lifespan

Up to 10 years in the wild, potentially longer in captivity.

Diet

Omnivore (primarily carnivorous/scavenger)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adults have a black cap and crest, white neck and throat, and a black body with fine white barring on the chest and upper back. The belly and undertail coverts are black. The primaries are black, and the secondaries and inner primaries are white, forming a prominent white patch in flight. The tail is white with a broad black terminal band.

Beak shape

Large, hooked, and bluish-gray with a yellowish tip.

Eye color

Dark brown.

Leg color

Yellowish-orange.

Distinguishing features

Prominent black crest, bare facial skin that changes color, bold black and white plumage, and a terrestrial foraging style. In flight, the large white wing patches and white tail with a black band are diagnostic.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are duller and browner overall. The black areas are replaced with dark brown, and the white areas are buffy or streaked with brown. The bare facial skin is dull pinkish-gray, and the legs are duller yellow. The barring on the chest is less distinct.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. The color of the bare facial skin can intensify during breeding season or when excited.

Sexual dimorphism

Males and females are monomorphic in plumage, though females are typically slightly larger than males.

How to identify

1. 1

   Overall Appearance

   Look for a large, long-legged raptor with a distinctive black cap and crest, white neck, and black body with fine white barring. Its upright stance on the ground is characteristic.

2. 2

   Facial Features

   Note the bare, reddish-orange facial skin (which can turn brighter red when excited) and the large, bluish-gray bill with a yellowish tip.

3. 3

   In Flight

   Observe the prominent white patches at the base of the primary feathers (wingtips) and the white tail with a broad black terminal band. These are key field marks when soaring or flying.

4. 4

   Behavior

   Watch for its terrestrial habits – walking and running on the ground, flipping over debris, or standing on fence posts and utility poles. It often associates with vultures at carrion.

5. 5

   Vocalization

   Listen for its harsh, rattling 'karr-karr-karr' call, often given with the head thrown back.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Grasslands, savannas, pastures, agricultural fields, open woodlands, and semi-arid scrublands.

Geographic range

Southern United States (Florida, Texas, Arizona), Mexico, Central America, and northern South America (south to northern Peru and the Amazon basin).

Elevation range

Primarily lowlands, from sea level up to approximately 2,500 meters (8,200 feet).

Preferred environments

Open, treeless or sparsely treed landscapes with scattered tall trees or utility poles for perching and nesting. They often frequent areas with livestock, as these provide carrion and attract insects.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal.

Feeding habits

Highly opportunistic. Feeds on carrion (often alongside vultures), insects (especially grasshoppers and beetles), small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and bird eggs/nestlings. They frequently walk or run on the ground to hunt, flipping over debris to find food. They will also steal food from other birds.

Social behavior

Often seen singly or in pairs, but can gather in small groups at food sources or communal roosts. They are generally not highly social outside of breeding pairs.

Flight pattern

Strong, direct flight with powerful wing beats, often interspersed with gliding. They can soar efficiently on thermals. In flight, the white wing patches and white tail with a black band are very conspicuous.

Migration pattern

Mostly resident throughout its range. Northern populations in the US may show some local dispersal or short-distance movements, but generally not considered migratory.

Territoriality

Breeding pairs defend a nesting territory. Non-breeding birds may range more widely.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies geographically: December-May in Florida, February-July in Texas, and generally during the dry season in tropical regions.

Nesting habits

Nests are typically large, bulky structures made of sticks, twigs, and vines, lined with finer materials like grass, hair, or even trash. They are usually placed in the tops of tall trees (e.g., palms, mesquites, oaks) or on utility poles, 2-15 meters (6-50 feet) above the ground.

Clutch size

2-3 eggs, occasionally 1 or 4.

Egg description

Typically 2-3 eggs (range 1-4). Eggs are dull white to reddish-brown, heavily marked with blotches and spots of brown, purple, or reddish-brown.

Incubation period

28-32 days, primarily by the female, though the male may assist.

Fledging period

42-56 days (6-8 weeks) after hatching. Young remain dependent on parents for several weeks after fledging.

Parental care

Both parents participate in incubation, brooding, and feeding the young. They are attentive parents, often bringing a variety of food items to the nest.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Scan Open Areas. Use binoculars to scan fence lines, utility poles, and isolated trees in open country. They often perch conspicuously.
2. Look on the Ground. Unlike many raptors, they spend a significant amount of time walking and foraging on the ground. Watch for them in fields and pastures.
3. Check for Vultures. If you see a group of vultures, there's a good chance a Crested Caracara might be nearby, especially at a carcass.
4. Listen for Calls. Their distinctive rattling call can often alert you to their presence before you see them.

Similar species

Quick facts

Diet:

Omnivorous scavenger and predator

Habitat:

Open grasslands, savannas, agricultural fields

Status:

Least Concern

Unique Trait:

Terrestrial falcon, often walks and runs on the ground

Facial Skin:

Changes color with excitement or breeding status

Fun facts

• The Crested Caracara is the national bird of Mexico, where it is depicted on the country's coat of arms.
• Unlike most falcons, which kill prey with a 'tooth' on their beak, caracaras have a more generalized bill, reflecting their diverse diet and scavenging habits.
• They are known to cache food, hiding excess prey or carrion for later consumption.
• Crested Caracaras are sometimes called 'Mexican Eagles' due to their prominent role in Mexican symbolism, despite not being true eagles.
• They are quite intelligent and adaptable, often learning to exploit human activities for food, such as following farm machinery or scavenging near human settlements.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Falconiformes

Family

Falconidae

Genus

Caracara

Species

cheriway

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