Crested Caracara
NameCrested Caracara
Common NameCrested Caracara
Scientific NameCaracara plancus
FamilyFalconidae
Wingspan (cm)126
Length (cm)57.5
Weight (g)1300
Plumage DetailsAdults feature a black cap and shaggy crest, a white neck and throat, and a black body with fine white barring on the wings and tail. The bare skin on the face is typically reddish-orange, and the legs are yellow. Juveniles are generally browner with streaked underparts.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a distinctive rattling or cackling call, often given with the head thrown back. They also produce harsh squawks and clacks.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsopen country, grassland, savanna, pastures, agricultural fields, shrubland, lightly wooded areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeIts range extends from the southern United States (Florida, Texas, Arizona) through Mexico and Central America, and widely across South America, reaching south to Tierra del Fuego.
Identifying Featuresprominent black crest, bare reddish-orange face, long yellow legs, black cap, white neck, terrestrial foraging behavior, white wing patches visible in flight
Description
The Crested Caracara is a distinctive, long-legged raptor known for its terrestrial habits, often walking and running on the ground to find food. It has a bold appearance with a prominent crest and a bare, colorful face. Unlike most falcons, it is an opportunistic scavenger and predator.
