Crested Caracara
NameCrested Caracara
Common NameCrested Caracara
Scientific NameCaracara plancus
FamilyFalconidae
Wingspan (cm)125
Length (cm)55
Weight (g)1300
Plumage DetailsAdults have a blackish-brown body, a white neck and upper breast, and a distinctive black cap and crest. The bare facial skin is typically orange-red, and the legs are yellow. The tail is white with a broad black terminal band.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a distinctive rattling or cackling call, often given with the head thrown back during display.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsopen country, grassland, savanna, shrubland, agricultural fields, lightly wooded areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southern United States (primarily Florida, Texas, and Arizona), Mexico, Central America, and much of South America.
Identifying Featuresprominent black crest, bare orange-red facial skin, black body with white neck, yellow legs, often seen walking on ground, white tail with black terminal band
Description
The Crested Caracara is a large, distinctive raptor often seen walking on the ground. It has a striking appearance with a prominent crest and bright facial skin, behaving more like a terrestrial scavenger than a typical falcon.
