Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

IDENTIFICATION: Although the caracara is considered to be a falcon, it is somewhat similar to a vulture. It has long pointed wings that are characteristic of falcons. The top of its head is black, and almost looks like a toupee. Its face is reddish and its beak is blue. It has banded tail feathers. This species is the national bird of Mexico.

RANGE AND HABITAT: This bird of prey can be found in a small area near Lake Okeechobee, Southeastern Texas, and Southern Arizona. They prefer dry open areas to hunt in.

REPRODUCTION: Male caracaras often fight in the air during mating season. In Florida they lay between 2-4 eggs in late winter. They seem to prefer nesting in cabbage palms or palmetto trees. The young will hatch in about a month, and their parents will care for them for 2-3 months until they are ready to face the world on their own.

DIET: The majority of this birds diet is carrion. They can often be seen chasing vultures away from a dead animal. Some will patrol country roads searching for road kill. They are also quick runners and will chase and even dig after small animals.

FUTURE: The crested caracara is listed as a threatened species in both the state of Florida, and on the national endangered species list. They were listed in 1987 because loss of habitat and hunting had reduced their numbers to about 250 pairs.

Adoptee

You may visit your adopted black vulture during regular Museum hours.