Home, near and far.
This species is found from the southern United States, through Mexico and Central America, and across the majority of mainland Latin America down to Tierra del Fuego. An isolated population also exists in the Falkland Islands.
Birds Heard
FIELD GUIDE
FIELD GUIDE
Falcons and Caracaras
Crested Caracara
Caracara plancus
The Crested Caracara is a distinctive raptor, often described as a long-legged falcon that behaves like a vulture. This adaptable bird is readily identified by its bold black and white plumage, prominent crest, and vibrant facial skin. Unlike most falcons, it frequently walks and forages on the ground, making it a unique sight in open landscapes.
ResidentLargeRaspy callsOmnivore
Meet the neighborhood - Length
- 50-65 cm
- Wingspan
- 120-132 cm
- Weight
- 900-1600 g
Typical adult measurements.
Individuals and populations vary.
01 / The telltale details
You’ll know it
when you see it.
Start with shape and behavior. Then look for the smaller details.
- 01
Adult Plumage
Adults have a black cap and body, contrasting with a white neck and cheeks. The bare facial skin is yellow-orange to reddish-orange.
- 02
Legs and Bill
Long, bright yellow legs and a large, gray-blue bill are characteristic.
- 03
In Flight
White wingtips and a white tail with a broad black band at the end are visible. They fly with flat wings, unlike teetering vultures.
- 04
Juvenile Appearance
Juveniles are browner overall with streaking on the breast and back, and have gray legs and whitish to pinkish-purple facial skin.
02 / A place in the world
Where life
takes it.
Crested Caracaras prefer open or semi-open habitats, including prairies, grasslands, pastures, and lightly wooded areas. They can also be found in scrub, savannas, and even adapted to urban environments where food is available.
Stay a while. Or follow the season.
Crested Caracaras are generally non-migratory residents throughout their extensive range. While typically sedentary, rare sightings have occurred further north than their established range in the United States.
03 / Listen a little closer
A voice
of its own.
Their calls are described as harsh, raspy, and rattling, often given with the head thrown back during courtship displays.
04 / The life behind the feathers
A day in its world.
On the menu.
Their diet is omnivorous and opportunistic, primarily consisting of carrion. They also consume small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, eggs, and occasionally fruit.
Crested Caracaras are often seen walking on the ground while foraging. They hunt from perches or in flight, scavenge roadkill, and are known to steal food from other raptors and raid nests.
A place to begin.
Nests are typically constructed from sticks, vines, and other plant material, often placed in isolated trees like cabbage palms or live oaks. Both parents participate in incubating the clutch, which usually consists of two eggs.
The little routines.
These raptors form strong pair bonds that can last for the lifetime of the partners. During breeding, they aggressively defend their nesting territories, with males sometimes engaging in aerial disputes. They are often solitary but may gather at abundant food sources.
One more reason to pay attention
A familiar face.
A few surprises.
The Crested Caracara is the only falcon species known to build its own nest from gathered materials.
The oldest recorded Crested Caracara lived to be at least 21 years and 9 months old in the wild.
Behind these field notesResearch & references · 10 sources
AI-assisted species research. Prepared October 2026. Details can vary across regions and populations.