The caracara is a unique bird of prey that shares characteristics with both hawks and eagles. Caracaras belong to the family Falconidae, which includes falcons and falconets. However, they are placed in their own subfamily called Caracarinae to distinguish them from other falcons. So while caracaras are more closely related to hawks, they have some traits that are more eagle-like. Their classification has caused considerable confusion and debate among ornithologists over the years.
Classification History
Originally, caracaras were classified as true falcons in the genus Falco, along with peregrine falcons, kestrels, and others. In 1816, the French naturalist Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot separated them into their own genus, Polyborus, due to their distinctive facultative scavenging habits. Polyborus means “many devourers” in Greek, referring to their opportunistic diet. Over the next two centuries, caracaras continued to bounce between the Falco and Polyborus genera as experts argued over their proper taxonomic placement.
In the 1930s, Alexander Wetmore of the Smithsonian Institution closely studied caracara anatomy and behaviors. He observed that they differed significantly from falcons in their proportions, bill shape, feathering, vocalizations, and feeding ecology. Based on these differences, Wetmore recommended placing caracaras in their own subfamily Caracarinae within the falcon family. This is the classification recognized today.
Key Differences From Hawks
Despite now being considered a unique group, caracaras still share many traits with other falconids like hawks. Some key differences include:
- Size: Caracaras are much larger than most hawks. They measure 18-26 inches long with 3.5-4 foot wingspans. Hawks are typically smaller.
- Bill: Caracaras have thick, hooked raptor bills like eagles. Hawks have slimmer bills.
- Plumage: Caracara plumage resembles a mix of falcon and eagle features. Hawks have more distinctly falcon-like plumage.
- Diet: Caracaras are generalist feeders while most hawks focus on catching birds or small mammals.
Similarities With Eagles
In some respects, caracaras seem more similar to eagles than hawks or falcons:
- Size: Caracaras are on the larger end for falconids, approaching an eagle’s size.
- Plumage: Their plumage pattern is plain brownish-black, similar to immature bald and golden eagles.
- Bill: They share the large, heavy, hooked raptor bills of eagles.
- Feet: Their feet and elongated toes are nearer an eagle’s than a falcon’s.
- Scavenging: They will eat carrion, much like most eagles.
However, caracaras also differ significantly from true eagles in the Aquila and Haliaeetus genera. Most notably, caracaras lack the large, powerful talons that eagles use to hunt and grasp prey. Caracaras also cannot carry prey as heavy as eagles can.
Ecological Role
The unique ecology of caracaras reflects their intermediate status between hawks and eagles. They occupy an important niche as scavengers and opportunistic predators often lacking in ecosystems. Caracaras utilize a wide array of food sources including carrion, insects, rodents, eggs, young birds, amphibians and small reptiles.
Facultative Scavenging
A key feature of caracaras is their facultative scavenging; they will feed on carrion when available as well as hunt live prey. In fact, caracaras seem adapted to exploit carcasses. Their featherless faces and throats allow them to fully submerge their heads within carcasses to reach deep flesh and organs. Caracaras will also dig into the ground to locate invertebrates around carcasses.
Cooperative Hunting
While they lack the sheer power of eagles, caracaras are effective predators when working cooperatively. Groups of caracaras will band together to pursue and overwhelm larger prey like young cattle, goats, reptiles or game birds. Their social hunting allows them to tackle animals well beyond the abilities of a single bird.
Kleptoparasitism
Caracaras exhibit kleptoparasitism; they will steal food from other birds. Using their agility, caracaras will harass vultures, eagles, herons and storks in flight until they disgorge food for the caracara to grab. Some populations may get up to 40% of their food through kleptoparasitism.
This unique feeding ecology allows caracaras to survive in a wide range of habitats and conditions. They are able to shift their diet when a particular food source becomes scarce.
Conclusion
While officially classified as a type of falcon, the caracara exhibits an intriguing mix of traits that show the blurred lines between taxonomic groups. Modern experts eventually decided caracaras were distinct enough to warrant their own subfamily within Falconidae. This recognizes that they are not fully falcon or eagle, but something in between. Their unusual ecology seems specially adapted to thrive in areas lacking large scavenging birds like vultures or prey birds like hawks.
So in response to the initial question “Is the caracara a hawk or eagle?”, the best answer is neither, and both. Caracaras merge attributes from multiple raptor families into a unique foraging strategy. Their classification continues to stir ornithological debate. But one thing is certain: caracaras remain a distinctive and ecologically vital group wherever they are found.
Caracara Species
Species | Range |
---|---|
Crested caracara | Southwestern US, Mexico, Central America, South America |
Southern caracara | Southern South America |
Carunculated caracara | Central and South America |
Red-throated caracara | Central and northern South America |
Striated caracara | Southern tip of South America |
White-throated caracara | Hispaniola |
Chimango caracara | Southern South America |
There are seven living species of caracara, all residing in the Americas. The best-known is the crested caracara, which ranges as far north as southwestern United States. Caracaras inhabit a variety of environments including forests, savanna, desert, and alpine areas. Most species are non-migratory residents throughout the year.
Comparison of Traits Between Hawks, Eagles and Caracaras
Hawks | Eagles | Caracaras | |
---|---|---|---|
Size | Small to medium | Large | Medium to large |
Wingspan | 2 – 4 feet | 6 – 7.5 feet | 3.5 – 4 feet |
Bill shape | Slim, pointed | Thick, hooked | Thick, hooked |
Plumage | Falcon-like | Unique to species | Intermediate |
Prey | Mainly birds/small mammals | Varied, large prey | Varied, opportunistic |
Habitat | Wide range | Mainly open areas | Wide range |
This comparison table summarizes the main traits separating hawks, eagles and caracaras. While caracaras fall ecologically between hawks and eagles, they are still categorized as a unique raptor group by taxonomists.
Crested Caracara Description
The crested caracara (Caracara cheriway) is the best-known caracara species. Here is a more detailed overview of this fascinating bird of prey.
Appearance
The crested caracara is a large, striking raptor with:
- Body length: 19-22 inches
- Wingspan: 48-55 inches
- Weight: 1.9-3.3 pounds
- Dark brownish-black plumage with white throat and neck
- Long black crest rising from crown (male)
- Bright orange-red face
- Yellow cere and feet
- Black bill with yellow base
In flight, broad wings and short banded tail are visible. Juveniles have less vivid facial colors.
Distribution and Habitat
Found from the southwestern United States through Central America and much of South America. Occupies diverse environments including:
- Scrubland
- Grassland
- Marshland
- Agricultural areas
- Lightly wooded regions
- Urban/suburban areas
Often seen perching prominently on poles, wires or fence posts.
Diet and Hunting
Diverse diet includes:
- Carrion
- Insects
- Rodents
- Birds
- Reptiles
- Eggs
- Fruit
Forages while walking on ground. Also steals food in flight from other birds. May hunt cooperatively in groups.
Reproduction
Nest is an untidy pile of sticks, litter and debris placed in a tree or bush. Lays 1-5 eggs, which hatch after 28-31 days. Chicks fledge at 7-8 weeks.
Status and Conservation
Considered Least Concern by IUCN Red List. Has adapted well to human activities and disturbed habitats. Population currently increasing. Symbols of power, vision and courage to some Native American cultures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the caracara belong to?
Caracaras belong to the family Falconidae, which includes falcons, falconets, kestrels and others. However, they are separated into their own Caracarinae subfamily.
Do caracaras only eat dead animals?
No, caracaras are facultative scavengers – they will eat carrion but also hunt live prey. Their diet includes a wide variety of food sources.
How many caracara species are there?
There are 7 extant species of caracara, all found in the Americas. The crested caracara has the widest range, extending into the southwestern United States.
Are caracaras predators or scavengers?
Caracaras show attributes of both predators and scavengers. They actively hunt live prey, but will also readily feed on dead animals as needed.
What’s the wingspan of a caracara?
Caracaras have wingspans ranging from about 3.5 to 4 feet. The largest species is the southern caracara with around a 4 foot wingspan.
How do caracaras hunt?
Caracaras may hunt singly or cooperatively in groups. They primarily catch prey by walking and foraging on the ground. Some also steal food from other birds in flight.
Do caracaras live in the US?
Yes, the crested caracara is found in the southwestern United States including Texas, Arizona and Florida.
Are caracaras raptors?
Yes, caracaras are considered raptorial birds and share many traits with other raptors like eagles, hawks and falcons.
Where do caracaras nest?
Caracaras build untidy nests out of sticks, debris and dung in trees, bushes or on the ground. Nests are often located in isolated trees or shrubs.
Conclusion
The caracara remains in a taxonomic gray zone between hawks and eagles. Its unique mix of falcon, eagle and vulture traits equips it for a versatile scavenging lifestyle not filled by other raptors. While officially falcons, caracaras warrant their own niche as the extinct “false eagles”. Their distinctive characteristics and habits continue to fascinate ornithologists and bird enthusiasts alike.