Caracara

Physical characteristics

Caracaras tend to have relatively long legs, broad wings, and heavy bills with a hooked tip. Many species have areas of bare facial skin that can be brightly colored, and some show a pronounced crest or crown of feathers. Plumage varies between species from mostly dark to patterned brown-and-white; juveniles often look different from adults.

Taxonomy and notable groups

Ornithologists treat caracaras as a set of genera within Falconidae rather than a single genus. Common genera associated with the group include Caracara, Milvago, Daptrius, Phalcoboenus and Ibycter. Well-known common names include the crested caracara, southern caracara, yellow-headed caracara and red-throated caracara.

Distribution and habitat

Caracaras occur throughout much of Central and South America and reach into parts of North America. They occupy a range of habitats from open grasslands and savannas to scrub, forest edges and agricultural areas. Their adaptability means some species thrive near roads, ranches and towns.

Behavior and diet

These birds show flexible feeding strategies: feeding on carrion, stealing food, raiding nests, hunting small mammals, reptiles and insects, and following large mammals to catch flushed prey. Many species spend considerable time walking on the ground. They are often bold and conspicuous, sometimes forming small social groups.

Reproduction, conservation and human interactions

Caracaras nest in trees, on cliffs or occasionally on buildings, and both parents typically participate in raising young. Conservation status varies by species; some are common and widespread while others face pressure from habitat change, persecution and environmental contaminants. Because of their visible habits and adaptability, caracaras are familiar to people across their range and feature in local folklore and natural-history interest.