Crested Caracara

The Crested Caracara, known as Caracara plancus, is a striking bird of prey from the Falconidae family. This raptor, also referred to as the Mexican eagle, is characterized by its dark brownish cap, belly, thighs, most of the wings, and tail tip. The auriculars, throat, and nape are a contrasting whitish-buff, while the chest, neck, mantle, back, upper tail coverts, crissum, and basal part of the tail display a barred pattern of the same pale hue and dark brownish. The legs are a vivid yellow, and the facial skin and cere range from deep yellow to reddish-orange.

Identification Tips

Adult Crested Caracaras measure between 50–65 cm in length with a wingspan of 120–132 cm. They weigh approximately 0.9–1.6 kg. In flight, they exhibit a distinctive whitish-buff patch on the outer primaries, known as a 'window', which is a common feature among caracaras. Juveniles are paler with streaking on the chest, neck, and back, and have grey legs and whitish to pinkish-purple facial skin and cere.

Habitat

The Crested Caracara favors open or semi-open habitats and is often found in proximity to human settlements. It avoids the high Andean altitudes and dense, humid forests like the Amazon, where it is mainly found in open areas along major rivers.

Distribution

This bird's range extends from Tierra del Fuego in the southernmost parts of South America to the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America, with an isolated population in the Falkland Islands.

Behaviour

The Crested Caracara is an opportunistic feeder, often seen walking on the ground in search of food. It feeds on carrion, steals from other raptors, raids nests, and takes live prey when possible. It is known to dominate over vultures at carcasses and pirate food from various other bird species. This raptor is typically solitary but may gather with others at abundant food sources.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in the Southern Hemisphere spring/summer in the southern part of its range, with less strict timing in warmer regions. The nest is a large, open structure, usually placed atop a tree or palm, but occasionally on the ground. The typical clutch size is two eggs.

Diet and Feeding

The Crested Caracara's diet includes carcasses, insects, small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, crabs, other shellfish, maggots, and worms. It is known to follow human activities such as farming or even vehicles to find food.

Conservation Status

The Crested Caracara is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN and Secure by NatureServe, indicating a stable population across its range. It may even benefit from deforestation in tropical South America.