Caracaras are birds of prey in the family Falconidae. They are traditionally placed in subfamily Polyborinae with the forest falcons, [1] but are sometimes considered to constitute their own subfamily, Caracarinae, [2] or classified as members of the true falcon subfamily, Falconinae. [3]

The Crested Caracara is a medium-sized, bulky raptor with long legs. Its flat head is topped with a shaggy crest. In flight, note its long, straight wings and diamond-shaped tail. The bill is heavy with a sharp tip. Larger than a Peregrine Falcon, smaller than a Turkey Vulture.

The crested caracara (Caracara plancus), also known as the Mexican eagle, [3] is a bird of prey (raptor) in the falcon family, Falconidae. It was formerly placed in the genus Polyborus before being given in its own genus, Caracara.

Related to the typical falcons, but very different in shape and habits. The Crested Caracara is a strikingly patterned, broad-winged opportunist that often feeds on carrion. Aggressive, it may chase vultures away from road kills. Widespread in the American tropics, it enters our area only near the Mexican border and in Florida.

Crested caracara birds are generally solitary but can also be seen often in pairs or in small groups consisting of three to four birds. While feeding on a carcass, the number of crested caracaras gathering together in one place may reach well over sixty.

The Crested caracara (Caracara plancus), previously called Audubon's caracara, is a bird of prey in the family Falconidae. Though in the same family as the typical falcons, it is very different both in shape and habits.

Audubon’s crested caracara is a large species of raptor that can reach a body length of 19.7-25.2 inches. The caracara has a dark brown-black belly, wings, back, and crown; and a white lower belly, head, and throat.

Sep 5, 2023 · The crested caracara is one of the world’s most unusual birds of prey. A member of the falcon family, it is distinguished by its striking appearance and ground-based hunting habits.

Crested Caracaras, in contrast to most raptors, eat carrion as well as any animal they can catch. They are often seen perched on a fence post, tree or utility pole, scanning for live or dead prey or for vultures descending to a carcass.

Crested Caracaras are not shy or reclusive and are generally easy to spot in the open landscapes they inhabit. They frequently perch on the tallest tree or structure around and fly low over the ground with their wings held flat (a great way to distinguish them from nearby vultures).