The Crested Caracara is related to falcons, but looks and behaves much differently than most other falcons. Rather than a aerial hunting specialist like it's falcon relatives, the Crested Caracara instead is often a carrion feeder. It is typically a bird of the tropics, only entering the U.S. in Florida, Texas, or Arizona, although on occasion it will wander north of it's regular range.
Habitat
Typically feeds over open areas, but roosts and nests in cover. Typical open habitat for hunting includes prairies and rangeland, desert, or open marshes.
Diet
Much of its food is obtained as carrion, although it will also capture a wide variety of live prey, including ground squirrels, rabbits, lizards, snakes, other small vertebrates, and large insects.
Behavior
Crested Caracara are opportunistic, using a wide variety of methods for foraging and feeding. Often searches for carrion in flight, and has adapted to a human presence by learning to fly along highways in search of roadkill. When hunting for live prey, will typically fly low over the ground to surprise prey.
Nesting
Builds nests of sticks and other plant material, typically in tall shrubs or trees, also sometimes on large cacti. Nests can get quite large, as mating pairs of Crested Caracara often use the same nest year after year, with new material added each year.
Breeding Map
Non-breeder in South Dakota
Song
Usually quiet, although will occasionally vocalize with low croaking
Migration
Territorial, with adult birds typically staying in the same territory. Juvenile birds may wander widely however.
Similar Species
Distinctive and easily identified
Conservation Status
Generally stable, with recent increases in some areas and declines in others.
Image Information
Colored pencil drawing by Terry Sohl - February 2012
Interactive eBird Map
Click to access the eBird species page for Crested Caracara
