General

Crested Caracara: Large, ground-dwelling falcon with black body and finely barred tail, wing panels and upper breast. Head crest is black, facial skin is red, and large bill is blue-gray and hooked. Legs are long and yellow. Sexes are similar. Juvenile has brown-streaked upper half of body and white-spotted wings.

Range and Habitat

Crested Caracara: Found from Baja California to eastern Texas, south to Panama. Preferred habitats include prairies, savannas, desert scrub, and seashores.

Breeding and Nesting

Crested Caracara: One to four brown marked, white or light pink eggs are laid in a bulky nest made of vines and sticks, usually built in a cabbage palm tree. Eggs are incubated for 32 days by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Crested Caracara: Diet includes carrion, small turtles, turtle eggs, fish, insects, frogs, lizards, snakes, small birds, and small mammals. When pursuing larger prey, a pair sometimes works together; has been observed feeding on carrion with vultures.

Vocalization

Crested Caracara: Usually silent, but makes a loud "wick-wick-wick-wick-querrr" during breeding season.

Similar Species

Crested Caracara: Black Vulture lacks head crest, red face, and barred breast and tail.