Crested Caracara

Caracara cheriway

Hawk Like

Length: 23 in. (58 cm )

The national bird of Mexico, this large falcon occurs in open, arid brushlands, pastures, and deserts. It feeds largely on carrion, especially along roads where mammals and birds killed by vehicles are often available. Given the opportunity, it will also feed on fish, eggs, reptiles, and insects. It often uses its long legs to run after prey as well as dig into the soil. Its huge nest is made of sticks and placed high in an isolated tree or saguaro cactus.

The four-digit banding code is CRCA.

Male | Jim Burns

Male | Robert Shantz

Agricultural

Desert

Grasslands

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https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/crested-caracara

Bibliographic details:

Article: Crested Caracara
Author(s): Dr. Biology
Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
Date published: 13 Jul, 2017
Date accessed:
Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/crested-caracara

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (Thu, 07/13/2017 - 15:38). Crested Caracara. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/crested-caracara

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "Crested Caracara". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/crested-caracara

For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/717/04/

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "Crested Caracara". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/crested-caracara

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/

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