Crested Caracara

The Crested Caracara is an unusual, long-legged raptor with a distinctive appearance: a black cap, bare orange-to-red facial skin, a pale neck and upper breast, and a dark body with a white tail base and dark terminal band. Unlike most raptors, it is often seen walking or running on the ground rather than perched or soaring, using its long legs to forage and scavenge.

Sometimes called the "Mexican Eagle" and featured on the coat of arms of Mexico, this species is a true generalist, equally comfortable scavenging carrion alongside vultures, hunting small live prey, or stealing food from other birds.

Key Field Marks

• Black cap contrasting with bare orange to reddish facial skin and a pale, cream-colored neck
• Dark brown body with a white tail base and broad dark terminal tail band
• Long yellow-orange legs, unusual among raptors for frequent ground-walking
• Often seen on the ground or perched low, rather than soaring high like typical hawks

Similar Species

• Black Vulture: lacks the caracara's black cap, orange face, and pale neck, and has a bare gray (not orange) head.
• Turkey Vulture: has a bare red head but lacks the caracara's black cap and pale breast, and typically soars rather than walks on the ground.

Range

In the United States, Crested Caracaras are found in Florida, Texas, and Arizona, with the range extending through Mexico, Central America, and much of South America.

Habitat

They favor open grasslands, prairies, savanna, and ranchland, often near scattered trees for perching and nesting, and are frequently seen along roadsides and open fields.

Foraging

Crested Caracaras are opportunistic feeders, walking on the ground to search for insects and small animals, scavenging carrion often alongside vultures (sometimes displacing them at a carcass), and occasionally hunting live prey directly.

Voice

The caracara's call is a harsh, rattling cackle, often given with the head thrown back over the shoulders in a distinctive display.

Nesting

Nests are large, bulky stick structures built in trees, palms, or cacti. Clutches typically contain two to three eggs, and pairs may remain together and defend the same territory year-round.