Crested caracara
A bold, opportunistic raptor of the Americas.
The crested caracara (Caracara plancus) is a bird of prey in the falcon family, Falconidae. It is native to the southern and southeastern United States, Mexico, and the majority of mainland Latin America, as well as some Caribbean islands. Known for its adaptability, it occupies a wide range of habitats from semi-arid deserts to urban areas.
- Scientific name
- Caracara plancus
- Family
- Falconidae
- Length
- 50–65 cm
- Weight
- 0.9–1.6 kg
- Subspecies
- C. p. cheriway, C. p. plancus
- Distribution
- Southern US to Tierra del Fuego
Lore & Background
The crested caracara was formerly placed in the genus Polyborus before being given its own genus, Caracara. The word 'caracara' traces to Old Tupi karakará, likely onomatopoeic. However, the golden eagle has been the bird associated with the myth since the Spanish Conquest.
Reader's Guide
The crested caracara is significant as a highly adaptable raptor found across a vast range from the southern United States to Tierra del Fuego. It is the second-largest falcon species by mean body mass, after the gyrfalcon. Its behavior includes walking on the ground to scavenge, stealing food from other raptors, and taking live prey. It is dominant over black and turkey vultures at carcasses. The species has two subspecies: C. p. cheriway in the north and C. p. plancus in the south. In Florida, a relict population dates to the last glacial period.
Did You Know?
- The crested caracara is the second-largest falcon species in the world by mean body mass, after the gyrfalcon.
- Its name 'caracara' is thought to be onomatopoeic, imitating the bird's call.
- The crested caracara has been observed following trains or cars for food thrown out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crested Caracara?
The Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus) is a bold, opportunistic bird of prey in the falcon family, Falconidae. It is one of the larger members of that family and is found throughout the Americas.
Where can you find a Crested Caracara?
Its range stretches from the southern and southeastern United States through Mexico and mainland Latin America all the way down to Tierra del Fuego, with additional populations on some Caribbean islands. It is remarkably adaptable, thriving in settings from semi-arid deserts to urban areas.
How big is a Crested Caracara?
Adults measure roughly 50 to 65 cm in length and weigh between 0.9 and 1.6 kg, making them noticeably larger than most other falcons. Two subspecies are recognized: C. p. cheriway and C. p. plancus.
What makes the Crested Caracara different from other falcons?
Rather than relying primarily on aerial hunting, it is a ground-foraging opportunist that will scavenge, steal food from other birds, and pursue a wide variety of prey. Its tolerance of human-altered landscapes and diverse habitats sets it apart from most other Falconidae members.
Why is the Crested Caracara significant among raptors?
As one of the most widespread and habitat-tolerant predators in the Americas, it demonstrates how a raptor can coexist with human development. Its bold, ground-based foraging strategy makes it a distinctive and easily recognizable member of the falcon family.
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