The Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) is a large raptor found in the southern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. In the U.S., it occurs primarily in Texas, Florida, and Arizona. The Crested Caracara is a unique bird of prey that is known for its distinctive crest, long legs, and largely carrion-based diet. Though widespread, it remains relatively uncommon throughout its range. For birders hoping to catch a glimpse of this fascinating bird, knowing where to look in Texas is key.
What is the Crested Caracara?
The Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) is a large, striking raptor that is a member of the falcon family Falconidae. Adults have a blackish body with a white neck, throat, and head, and a prominent crest on top of their head. Their name comes from the Spanish word “caracara” meaning raven. They have exceptionally long legs and toes that enable them to walk on the ground easily when searching for carrion. Their diet consists mainly of carrion, insects, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and eggs stolen from nests.
Crested Caracaras are highly social birds that are usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups. They build large stick nests high up in trees, tall cacti, or on human-made structures. The female lays 2-3 eggs which are incubated by both parents. Caracaras are opportunistic foragers and scavengers that often follow fires or other events where animals have been killed to feed. They also forage on the ground for insects and small prey. Their range centers on the southern U.S. through Central America and south to northern Argentina. In the U.S. breeding populations are found in Texas, Arizona, Florida, and Louisiana.
Where to See Crested Caracara in Texas
In Texas, Crested Caracaras occur in the southern half of the state south of a line from Del Rio to San Antonio to Houston. They are found in open country including ranchlands, pastures, agricultural fields, and desert scrub. The highest densities occur in the South Texas Plains region between Laredo and Corpus Christi. Here are some of the best places to spot Crested Caracara in Texas:
King Ranch
At over 825,000 acres, the King Ranch in Kleberg County is one of the largest ranches in the world and a prime location to see Crested Caracara. The ranch’s extensive pasturelands provide ideal open hunting terrain. Access is only by guided tour.
Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge protects coastal prairie grasslands southwest of Houston that support wintering and breeding Caracaras. The open terrain provides good viewing opportunities.
Chaparral Wildlife Management Area
This public land area in Dimmit, Maverick, and Zavala counties has excellent Caracara viewing along its roads that traverse South Texas brush country.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
Encompassing over 97,000 acres of coastal prairie and wetlands, this refuge near Brownsville regularly hosts wintering and breeding Crested Caracaras.
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
This 2,000 acre refuge along the Rio Grande is a reliable hotspot, with sightings recorded on over 90% of visit checklists. It has an active breeding pair that can often be seen at their nest.
Falcon State Park
Located in Starr County, this state park in the Rio Grande Valley has recorded Crested Caracara sightings on over 75% of eBird checklists. Check the park’s open grasslands and thickets.
Anzalduas County Park
This park along the Rio Grande in Hidalgo County is another location in the Valley where sightings are regular from winter through summer. Scan fence posts where the birds often perch.
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Sightings are frequent in this park near Mission that preserves native brushland and hosts an active nesting pair that can be seen at the hawk tower.
Choke Canyon State Park
This state park located west of Corpus Christi has regular sightings within its varied habitats of brushlands, lake shores, and mesquite woodlands.
Best Times to See Crested Caracara in Texas
Crested Caracaras are present year-round throughout their Texas range as both permanent residents and seasonal migrants. Here are some tips on the best times to spot these birds:
- November to March – Increased sightings of migrants joining winter residents
- April to July – Peak breeding season, when pairs are active at nests
- Spring/Summer – Frequent sightings of family groups with fledged young
- Summer – Often seen circling high on thermals or soaring over open areas
Sightings are possible year-round, but late spring through summer offers the best chance to observe pairs, nesting activity, and young birds. Winter and early spring also provide frequent sightings.
Tips for Finding Crested Caracara
Here are some useful tips to help locate and observe Crested Caracara when birding in Texas:
- Scan fence posts and utility poles, which the birds often use as perches for scanning the landscape
- Check the tops of dead trees, which may have nests
- Drive ranch roads slowly, stopping periodically to scan with binoculars
- Look for soaring birds circling high on thermals on hot, sunny days
- Listen for loud screeching calls which often give away the bird’s presence
- Follow Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures flying in the distance, which may converge at carrion where Caracaras feed
Conclusion
For birders hoping to add Crested Caracara to their life list, Texas provides many excellent opportunities to find these unique raptors. Their population is clustered in South Texas between Laredo and Corpus Christi, where ranchlands and wildlife refuges offer the best habitat. By exploring national wildlife refuges, state parks, and private ranches like the King Ranch, birders can seek out these birds year-round and observe their interesting nesting and feeding behaviors. Visiting during the peak breeding season between April and July provides the best chance to witness their range of behaviors. With a little luck and persistence during a Texas birding trip, observers can be rewarded with a sighting of the striking Crested Caracara.