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Crested Caracara

Caracara cheriway ORDER: FALCONIFORMES FAMILY: FALCONIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Crested Caracara Photo

© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

A tropical falcon version of a vulture, the Crested Caracara reaches the United States only in Arizona, Texas, and Florida. It is a bird of open country, where it often is seen at carrion with vultures.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Hawklike
Hawklike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

Large, long-legged raptor. Black cap with short crest at back. Pale sides of back and neck. Bare red skin on face. Black body. White tail with wide black tip. White patches at ends of dark wings. Faint barring on upper back and breast.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, but tawny brown instead of black; buffy, not white face; and with streaks, not barring on neck.

Range Map Help

Crested Caracara Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Similar Species

  • Black Vulture also has white in base of wingtips, but lacks white in tail and face.