How to identify the Crested Caracara

To correctly identify the Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

50-65 cm (20-26 in)

Wingspan

120-132 cm (47-52 in)

Weight

1000-1600 g (2.2-3.5 lbs)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   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.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

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

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Yellowish-orange.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   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.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   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.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

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

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

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

Key field marks

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

Explore the Crested Caracara