Hawk Like

Crested Caracara

Caracara cheriway
Crested Caracara thumbnail
Length: 23 in. (58 cm )
The national bird of Mexico, this large falcon occurs in open, arid brushlands, pastures, and deserts. It feeds largely on carrion, especially along roads where mammals and birds killed by vehicles are often available. Given the opportunity, it will also feed on fish, eggs, reptiles, and insects. It often uses its long legs to run after prey as well as dig into the soil. Its huge nest is made of sticks and placed high in an isolated tree or saguaro cactus.

The four-digit banding code is CRCA.

Male | Jim Burns(link is external)

Male | Robert Shantz(link is external)



Agricultural

Desert

Grasslands
There are no audio files saved for this bird.
Sonogram Large:
There are no sonograms saved for this bird.
Sonogram Zoom:
There are no sonograms saved for this bird.

View Citation

Against light skin, some of our veins look blue
Is blood blue?
Answer >>

Be Part of
Ask A Biologist

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Donate icon  Contribute

 

Share to Google Classroom