caracara bird
1. Bird Name
The English name of this bird is Caracara, also known as Crested Caracara. Its Latin name is Caracara cheriway.
2. Appearance
The Crested Caracara is a large, strikingly patterned bird of prey. It prominently features a black body and crown, contrasted with a white neck and checkered wing coverts. Its chest and underpart feathering exhibit a light cream color, marked by thin, dark barring. The bird has a short, heavy, and sharply hooked bill, ideal for tearing flesh. The eyes of a mature Caracara are deep brown, framed by a pronounced bluish-gray facial skin. Unlike many other bird species, male and female Caracaras share similar plumage and physical traits with no noticeable distinction in their appearances.
3. Size
This bird species averages a length of around 55 to 60 centimeters (22 to 24 inches) from head to tail. It possesses a wingspan of approximately 120 to 130 centimeters (47 to 51 inches). Adult Caracaras can weigh anything from 0.9 to 1.4 kilograms (2 to 3 pounds).
4. Habitat & Distribution
The Caracara is native to South, Central, and North America, found primarily in Mexico, and extending into the southern United States in Texas, Arizona, and Florida. It also inhabits much of the open areas of South America. Its preferred habitats include open, lowland countryside, like pastures, savannahs, river edges, ranches, and even roadside strips.
5. Interesting Facts
Caracaras showcase some rare, interesting behaviors among birds of prey. Unlike most raptors that are avian hunters, Caracaras are often seen walking on the ground probing for food with their bills. They are also known to harass other birds into dropping their food mid-air, which the Caracara then swoops down and picks. These birds are embedded in culture as well, featuring in Native American folklore and regarded as the Mexican eagle in Aztec tradition.
6. Diet
Caracaras have a diverse diet profile, typically feeding on small rodents, reptiles, fish, insects, and carrion. They also consume fruits and ground-level vegetation, which is unusual for birds of prey.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Caracaras are social birds, often being seen in groups while feeding or resting. Their mating display typically involves a series of aerial acrobatics, calls, and food transfers. Their communication calls include a variety of whistles, croaks, clicks, and other throaty sounds.
8. Conservation Status
The Crested Caracara has a wide range and is relatively abundant throughout its distribution. It is listed as of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
9. Lifespan
In the wild, a Caracara can expect to live between 8 and 10 years, though some individuals have been known to live up to 15 years. In captivity, where threats are minimized, these birds can live up to 25 years.
10. Additional Notes
Locally, the Caracara is known as “Mexican eagle” in Mexico and “warahuaco” in parts of South America. In human interaction, Caracara is often reputed as bold, seen around human habitations. It plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health by consuming carrion and controlling populations of small creatures.
