Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Crested CaraCara

The crested caracara, also sometimes called the northern caracara, is a raptor that lives primarily in Mexico, Central America, and northern portions of South America. The northern part of their range extends up into Texas, southern Arizona and parts of southern Florida. These birds where photographed on our trip to south Texas back in 2010.
The crested caracara is a member of the Falcondae, or falcon, family, but they are very different then the rest of the falcons that we see here in North America. When we think of falcons we think of birds that are built for speed, many of which hunt other birds in flight. The crested caracara acts much more like a vulture. You are much more likely to see carcara soaring up in the sky in search of carrion then you are to see one chasing down prey. The reason why the two birds pictured above look differently is because the top photo is a mature adult caracara while the second photo is an immature bird.

12 comments:

Meryl said...

Really interesting. IF the crested CaraCara acts more like a vulture, I am curious, why is it in the falcon family?

Roger Owen Green said...

pretty bird.

ROG, ABC Wednesday Team

photowannabe said...

I am always amazed by the vast variety of birds in this world. Great capture.
Meryl did ask a good question about the falcon vs. vulture.

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

Wow-even more stunning than the last weeks! Very elegant.

Anonymous said...

Nice blog, I take it you like birds? haha!

Chronicles of Illusions said...

wow - beautiful

KaHolly said...

My goodness, but these are great pictures of the Crested Caracara. I see them all the time while I'm visiting in TX, but I have never been able to get a good photo!! Well done!

Tammy said...

Great photos! I find the Caracaras around here very intriguing! Y

Gene Vermillion said...

Great photos. Would like to see one.
Gene

http://birdwatching-birds.blogspot.com

Kay L. Davies said...

Gorgeous coloring that young one is growing into.
K

Gattina said...

Interesting bird, never saw one like that.
Gattina
ABC Team

warbler said...

Would you be willing to donate your fabulous adult Caracara shot to my free online Birds of Vancouver Island http://picasaweb.google.com/pat.mary.taylor Please write pat.mary.taylor AT gmail.com