Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus)
The Crested Caracara is one of the most distinctive birds found across the Texas Gulf Coast.
It has the hooked bill of a raptor and the feeding habits of a vulture. However, this unusual bird is actually a member of the falcon family.
Unlike most falcons, the Crested Caracara spends plenty of time walking across fields, beaches, and roadsides. It searches for insects, small animals, eggs, and carrion.
Its bold black-and-white plumage, orange face, and long yellow legs make it difficult to overlook.
Quick Facts
| Common name | Crested Caracara |
| Scientific name | Caracara plancus |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Length | 19–23 inches (49–58 centimeters) |
| Wingspan | About 4 feet (1.2 meters) |
| Weight | 2.3–2.9 pounds (1.1–1.3 kilograms) |
| Diet | Carrion, insects, fish, reptiles, birds, eggs, and small mammals |
| Habitat | Grasslands, ranches, scrublands, deserts, wetlands, and coastal plains |
| Range | Southern North America through portions of Central and South America |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Migration | Usually a year-round resident |
Description
The Crested Caracara is a large, long-legged falcon with an upright stance.
Adults have dark brown or black bodies with white necks and cheeks. Fine dark markings cover the upper breast.
A black cap forms the bird’s short crest. Bare facial skin surrounds the eyes and may appear yellow, orange, or reddish.
The large hooked bill is gray-blue with a pale tip. Long yellow legs allow the bird to walk and run easily across open ground.
Juveniles are browner than adults. Their facial skin is duller, and the contrast between the dark and pale feathers is less dramatic.
How to Identify a Crested Caracara
Look for these features:
- Black cap and short crest
- Pale neck and cheeks
- Dark body and wings
- Orange or reddish facial skin
- Large hooked bill
- Long yellow legs
- White tail base with a dark tip
- Pale patches near the ends of the wings
- Upright posture while perched
- Frequent walking or running on the ground
In flight, the caracara holds its broad wings relatively flat. Pale patches near the wingtips contrast with the dark wings.
Its white upper tail and dark tail tip are also visible as the bird flies away.
Diet
Crested Caracaras are opportunistic hunters and scavengers.
Carrion forms an important part of their diet. They often investigate roadsides or follow vultures toward a carcass.
They also capture insects, fish, frogs, snakes, lizards, turtles, birds, eggs, and small mammals. Known to wade into shallow water, dig for turtle eggs, or flip debris aside to uncover insects.
Unlike many raptors, caracaras often chase prey while running across the ground. They may also take advantage of fires, mowing, or farming activity that exposes small animals.
Habitat and Range
Crested Caracaras prefer open country with scattered trees or shrubs.
They inhabit grasslands, cattle ranches, coastal plains, scrublands, deserts, agricultural areas, and open wetlands. Short vegetation makes walking, hunting, and taking flight easier.
Along the Texas Gulf Coast, they are frequently seen near pastures, marsh edges, beaches, farm roads, and wildlife refuges.
Most adults remain in the same general area throughout the year. Younger birds may wander farther while searching for suitable territory.
Behavior
Crested Caracaras behave differently from many other falcons.
They routinely walk across the ground while searching for food. When taking off, they may run several steps before lifting into the air.
Their flight consists of strong, slow wingbeats mixed with gliding. They often fly low while scanning the ground below.
Caracaras may join vultures at carrion. Despite their smaller numbers, they can be surprisingly assertive and may chase Turkey Vultures or Black Vultures away from food.
Pairs maintain territories throughout the year. Mates may remain together for several years and often preen one another.
Life History and Nesting
Crested Caracaras build their own nests, which is unusual among falcons.
Both adults gather twigs, stems, and vines. They weave the materials into a large platform with a shallow center.
Nests are usually placed in one of the tallest available structures. Depending on the habitat, that may be a tree, palm, shrub, cactus, or artificial structure.
The female lays one to four eggs. Incubation lasts about 30–33 days, while the young remain in the nest for approximately 42–56 days.
Pairs may reuse the same nest and add more material each year. Older nests can become especially large and bulky.
Conservation Status
The Crested Caracara is classified globally as a species of Least Concern.
Populations have increased in some parts of Texas. Ranches, farms, and other open landscapes may provide suitable feeding areas.
However, habitat loss, vehicle collisions, contaminated food, and disturbance near nests remain concerns. The Florida population is federally listed as threatened because of its limited range and habitat pressures.
Fun Facts
- The Crested Caracara is a falcon, despite looking more like a hawk.
- It regularly walks and runs while searching for food.
- It is sometimes called the Mexican eagle.
- Caracaras may follow vultures to locate carrion.
- They sometimes steal food from other birds.
- They are the only falcons known for building substantial stick nests.
- One banded Crested Caracara lived at least 21 years and nine months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Crested Caracara a hawk or a vulture?
Neither. The Crested Caracara belongs to the falcon family. Its body resembles a hawk, while its scavenging behavior resembles a vulture.
Do Crested Caracaras eat dead animals?
Yes. Carrion is an important part of their diet. They also hunt insects, reptiles, fish, birds, and small mammals.
Are Crested Caracaras common in Texas?
They are established year-round residents in suitable open habitats across parts of Texas. The coastal plain and southern portions of the state offer especially favorable habitat.
Why do caracaras walk on the ground?
Walking allows them to search closely for insects, eggs, carrion, and small animals. Their long legs are well suited for ground foraging.
Do Crested Caracaras migrate?
Adults are generally year-round residents. Juveniles may travel farther while searching for their own territories.
Naturalist’s Note
A Crested Caracara rarely behaves like the dignified falcon its family tree suggests.
It may stalk through a pasture, patrol a beach, or stand beside a roadside carcass. The long legs and upright posture give it an almost swaggering walk.
When vultures gather nearby, look for the bird standing confidently among them. Its pale neck, dark cap, and bright face make it unmistakable.
The caracara may be technically classified as a falcon, but it has clearly decided that rules are optional.
Similar Species
- Turkey Vulture: Larger and longer-winged, with a red adult head and an unsteady, rocking flight.
- Black Vulture: Darker overall, with a short tail and silvery patches limited to the wingtips.
- Turkey Vulture vs. Black Vulture: Compare wing shape, flight style, tail length, and underwing patterns.