The Crested Cara Cara is a bird of prey
of the Falconidae Family. Unlike falcons
that are fast flying airbourne hunters,
Cara Caras spend much of their time on
the ground and are relatively slow moving.
The Crested Caracara is broad-winged
and long tailed. It also has long legs and
frequently walks and runs on the ground.
The adult has a black body, wings, crest
and crown. The neck, rump, and wing
patches are white, and the tail is white
with black barring. It's preferred habitat
is open, lowland countryside, like pastures
and savannas. They are mainly scavengers
but will also take the opportunity to hunt
live prey on the ground such as smalls
mammals, fish, crabs and nesting birds.
They will also take food from other birds.
They build a large nest in a palm, cactus,
tree, or on the ground. The female usually
lays 2 - 3 eggs that are incubated for
28 - 32 days. The young caracaras have a
drawn out fledging period, taking up to 3
months before they are flying as
independent birds.
