Hawk Like

Crested Caracara

Caracara cheriway
Crested Caracara thumbnail
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


Agricultural

Desert

Grasslands
Sonogram Large:
There are no sonograms saved for this bird.
Sonogram Zoom:
There are no sonograms saved for this bird.

View Citation

You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."

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: July 13, 2017
  • Date accessed: March 7, 2024
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/crested-caracara

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (2017, July 13). Crested Caracara. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved March 7, 2024 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 July, 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/crested-caracara

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "Crested Caracara". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 7 Mar 2024. 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/
Birds on a wire
Are bird numbers declining?

Be Part of
Ask A Biologist

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Donate icon  Contribute

 

Share to Google Classroom