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Birds
Crested caracara
Crested caracara · Caracara plancus
The crested caracara is an impressive bird of prey with a ragged crest, bright-coloured face and spectacular behaviour on the ground.
Fact file
- Size
- Body length about 50 to 60 cm, wingspan up to 1.3 m, weight 1 to 1.5 kg
- Males and females
- Females usually slightly larger, plumage is identical in both sexes
- Sounds
- Loud, rasping calls and harsh sounds, often when agitated
- Diet
- Carrion, small animals, insects, reptiles and also fruit
- Offspring
- Breeding season varies by region, usually 2 to 3 chicks per clutch, raised in a nest tree
How to identify Crested caracara
Crested caracaras stand out thanks to their distinctive black crest on the wing and striking black-and-white plumage. The head and neck are usually white, the face is a bright orange to reddish colour, especially in adult birds. The strong, curved bill appears horn-coloured to bluish.
On the body, dark wing coverts contrast with the pale-feathered belly, chest and neck. The long yellow legs give the crested caracara an almost stilt-like appearance. In flight you can recognise broad wings with a white band at the tips and a long, striped tail.
More in the app
With Wildful Stories+ you also get in the app:
- general viewing tips
Where Crested caracara live
Discover Crested caracara on your trip.
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