northern crested caracara
ExploreBirds
northern crested caracara
Caracara cheriway
The northern crested caracara is a striking bird with a bold look and a unique crest on its head. It loves to roam open areas, searching for food like insects and small animals.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The northern crested caracara has a distinctive black cap and shaggy crest atop a white neck and throat. Its body is dark, often appearing blackish-brown, with white patches near the wingtips visible in flight. Bright orange-red facial skin and pale yellow legs make it stand out.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderFalconiformesFamilyFalconidaeGenusCaracara
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Caracaras are sometimes called the "Mexican Eagle" even though they are a type of falcon!
These clever birds have been observed using tools like sticks to roll eggs or move food.
They often steal food right from the talons of other birds, a behavior called kleptoparasitism.
Unlike most raptors, caracaras build bulky stick nests in trees or shrubs, not on cliffs.
Special abilities
Ability
Ground Hunter
The northern crested caracara can walk and run easily on the ground because of its long legs, helping them hunt prey.
Ability
Opportunistic Forager
Northern crested caracaras have a strong, hooked beak that helps them tear meat, crack eggs, and open tough foods.
Ability
Smart Scavenger
Northern crested caracaras can follow other scavengers like vultures because of their keen eyesight, leading them to food.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 49-60 cm
- Wingspan
- 120-132 cm
- Weight
- 0.9-1.3 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Top Speed
- 60 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-3
- Incubation
- 28-32 days
Diet & Feeding
Caracaras are clever omnivores that eat almost anything, from insects and small animals to carrion!
Primary Foods
- Insects
- Small mammals
- Reptiles
- Birds
- Carrion
- Eggs
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
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Hispid cotton rat
Sigmodon hispidus
a common small mammal prey
eats
White-tailed deer
Odocoileus virginianus
feasts on available carrion
shelters
Live oak
Quercus virginiana
often builds nests in sturdy branches
symbiotic with
Turkey Vulture
Cathartes aura
sometimes follows to find carrion
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Crested
Crested describes animals possessing a prominent tuft of feathers, hair, or skin on their head.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Scavenger
Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch or feed them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is northern crested caracara?
49-60 cm
What is northern crested caracara's wingspan?
120-132 cm
How much does northern crested caracara weigh?
0.9-1.3 kg
How long does northern crested caracara live?
10-15 years
How fast can northern crested caracara move?
60 km/h
What does northern crested caracara eat?
Caracaras are clever omnivores that eat almost anything, from insects and small animals to carrion!
Where is northern crested caracara usually found?
Grasslands
How does northern crested caracara hunt?
Foraging
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