At first glance, the Crested Caracara looks like a hawk, with its strong build, sharp beak, and bold feathers.
However, this unique bird seems to sit somewhere between hawks and scavengers.
Its body measures around 21 to 24 inches long, with an impressive wingspan of 47 to 52 inches. But a closer look reveals its vulture-like habits.
In flight, the Crested Caracara glides with flat wings and often soars low over open land, much like vultures searching for food.
It’s also common to see these birds riding warm air currents high in the sky, their dark feathers standing out against the blue.
What truly makes the Crested Caracara different is how often it spends time on the ground. It regularly comes down to walk and search for food—a habit rare among hawks.
The Crested Caracara eats many things, from carrion to live prey. This flexibility allows it to survive in many habitats across its range, stretching from southern Texas to northern Argentina.
While it often feeds on small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, it also shows its vulture-like side by readily eating carcasses.
At times, it even steals meals from other birds of prey, a behavior called kleptoparasitism.
This opportunistic nature reflects its resourcefulness. Still, despite its sharp hunting skills, it can fall prey to larger raptors, such as the mighty Harpy Eagle.
Across Central and South America, the Crested Caracara is admired and even called the “Mexican eagle.” It plays a role in folklore and legend, symbolizing power, courage, and adaptability.
Many cultures believe it carries mystical qualities, acting as a messenger between humans and the spirit world.
These stories have woven the Crested Caracara into the cultural fabric of the regions it inhabits. Artists, poets, and storytellers have celebrated this striking bird, ensuring its place in myth and legend.
With its hawk-like looks and vulture-like ways, the Crested Caracara shows the incredible variety and adaptability of nature.
As wildlife photographers, we are lucky to see this mix of two avian worlds. The sight of a Caracara soaring through the sky or striding confidently on the ground inspires awe and wonder.
Let us continue to explore, document, and honor the beauty of creatures like the Crested Caracara, while also working to protect them for generations to come.
May we always treasure the stories they bring us, both in science and in human imagination.
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