Crested Caracara
Caracara plancus
Also known as: Mexican Eagle
The Crested Caracara is a bold and opportunistic bird of prey found across the Americas, often nicknamed the 'Mexican Eagle'. Unlike most falcons, it is not a fast aerial hunter but spends much of its time walking on the ground in search of insects, small animals, and carrion. With its striking black cap, white neck, and orange facial skin, it is one of the most distinctive raptors in its range.
Crested Caracara Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions About the Crested Caracara
Unlike most falcons, the Crested Caracara is strongly adapted for terrestrial foraging and often walks or runs after prey instead of striking from the air. It also turns over debris, raids turtle nests, and scavenges opportunistically, which makes ground hunting especially useful for this species.
The Crested Caracara can be found in The Americas and is most often associated with Open grasslands, savannas, roadways.
The Crested Caracara feeds on Carrion, small animals, insects and is considered a scavenger/omnivore.
The Crested Caracara is currently listed as Least Concern, with a increasing population trend. Main threats include Vehicle collisions, Pesticides.
The Crested Caracara is usually solitary/pairs.
The Crested Caracara is typically diurnal.
The Crested Caracara is resident.
The main threats facing the Crested Caracara include Vehicle collisions and Pesticides.
The Crested Caracara population trend is currently increasing.
Well-known places to look for the Crested Caracara include Florida (USA), Texas (USA), and Mexico.
Natural predators of the Crested Caracara include Coyotes (on nests) and Large eagles.
Frequently appears in Mexican folklore and heraldry.
The Crested Caracara is part of the Falconidae family and a Falconiformes order.
The Crested Caracara weighs about 1.1 kg, stands around 60 cm tall, reaches about 60 cm in length, and has a wingspan of about 125 cm.
The Crested Caracara can reach speeds of around 60 km/h.
