Wildlife Spotlight: Crested Caracara

Karla Brandt Crested Caracara

Although Triple N Ranch is at the northern portion of its range, Audubon's crested caracara with its distinctive black crown and crest and large, strongly hooked bill is sometimes seen on the area. The national symbol of Mexico, the crested caracara is sometimes referred to as the Mexican eagle or the Mexican buzzard. The caracara is named for its breeding season call: a rapid "quick-quick-quick-quick" followed by a drawn-out "querrr" and a dramatic toss of the head. Caracaras are found from the Mexican-U.S. Border south to Panama and in isolated populations in Cuba, Louisiana, and central Florida. Once a common resident in the prairie region of central Florida, the crested caracara is now threatened in Florida, primarily as a result of loss of habitat. An extremely opportunistic feeder, the crested caracara eats both carrion and living prey. Turtles, eggs, insects, worms, frogs, fish, and mammals are all part of its diet.

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