The Crested Caracara has a bit of disputed placement in the family of Falconidae. According to The Clements Checklist Sixth Ed., the Crested Caracara is a separate species from the Southern Caracara (Caracara plancus). However, some have lumped them into one species and called the Northern Caracara.
The Crested Caracara is a bird of prey that lives in Central and South America and some of the surrounding islands.
These birds actively hunt anything they can kill and eat. Sometimes, they act somewhat like Secretary-birds - hunting by walking on the ground.
Classification:
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Falconidae
Genus: Caracara
Species: C. cheriway
Photos:
Crested Caracara Close-up
Head shots today at Feathery Friday. Don’t miss all the fantastic close-ups! This wonderful crested caracara lives at the fantastic Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Florida. View On Black
Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway)
The Crested Caracara combines the raptorial instincts of the eagle with the base carrion-feeding habits of the vulture. The Crested Caracara is actually in the same family as falcons. It is also know by the common name Mexican Buzzard. It’s range in the US is south Arizona, Texas, and Florida. Adult pairs are generally monogamous and highly territorial. In 1987 this population was classified as "Threatened".
