The crested caracara (Caracara cheriway) is a large bird of prey that is found in Central and South America and also in the southern United States, including Texas. Crested caracaras inhabit open grasslands, ranchlands, and desert scrub habitats. They build nests on the ground or in trees and feed opportunistically on carrion, insects, small reptiles, mammals, and birds. Crested caracaras are social birds that are sometimes seen in pairs or family groups consisting of a mated pair and their offspring. Their distinctive appearance, with a bare face, brightly colored cere, and crest on the head makes them easy to identify.
Range and Habitat of Crested Caracaras
The crested caracara has an extensive range that includes Central America, most of South America, Florida, the Gulf Coast, and southwestern states including Texas. Within Texas, crested caracaras occur mostly in the southern and western portions of the state. They are found in the South Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, and Trans-Pecos ecoregions.
Crested caracaras inhabit open country including ranchlands, prairies, and desert scrub. They avoid dense forest but may sometimes be found in open woodlands. Crested caracaras build nests on the ground, in trees, or on elevated platforms like utility poles. They roost communally in trees or on power lines. The availability of suitable nesting sites and perches limits their distribution.
Identification
The crested caracara is a large, distinctive raptor with a body length of 19-22 inches and a wingspan of up to 4 feet. They have a blackish body with contrasting white on the neck, wing tips, tail tip, and belly. The head is pale with a conspicuous black crest and bare reddish orange facial skin. The cere (the soft area at the base of the bill) is bright orange-red. The bill is large and hooked.
In flight, crested caracaras display broad wings and a distinctive white band on the trailing edge of each wing. Their tail is broadly banded black and white. Juvenile birds have less vivid facial skin and cere coloration.
Crested caracaras may be confused with turkey vultures due to their bare heads. Turkey vultures can be distinguished by their smaller size, uniform brown plumage, and more sloping profile when soaring.
Diet and Hunting
The crested caracara is an opportunistic feeder that utilizes a wide variety of food sources. Carrion provides a large portion of their diet, including carcasses of livestock, birds, and small mammals killed on roadways. Crested caracaras may also kill small mammals, snakes, lizards, nestling birds, and occasionally weak or injured larger prey. They forage for insects and other invertebrates on the ground and even pick ticks and other parasites off the backs of livestock. Fruits and seeds make up a smaller portion of the crested caracara’s diverse diet.
Crested caracaras locate carrion by sight while soaring high above the landscape. They also search for prey while perched or gliding low over the ground. Sometimes they follow vultures to carcasses. Crested caracaras use their large talons to tear open carcasses and feed. They may cache excess food on the ground and return to feed on it later. Unlike vultures, crested caracaras do not have a highly developed sense of smell to locate food.
Breeding and Nesting
The breeding season for crested caracaras in Texas peaks between March and July but can begin as early as December. Crested caracaras mate for life. During courtship the male performs aerial displays and offers food to the female.
The large, untidy nest is built on the ground, in low trees, on stumps, or elevated platforms like utility poles. Nests are constructed from a large mound of sticks lined with grass, moss, and debris. The nest may be used repeatedly over successive years.
The typical clutch contains 2-3 eggs but may range up to 6. The eggs are buff colored with brown spotting. Incubation lasts 28-32 days and is performed by both sexes. The young fledge at 6-7 weeks but remain dependent on the parents for food for an extended period, often several months. Crested caracara young have voracious appetites and the parents work hard to provide enough food.
Population and Conservation
Crested caracaras occur in relatively low density over their extensive range in Texas. Partners in Flight estimates a total Texas population of 7,100-15,000 breeding pairs. Their numbers seem to be stable or slightly increasing in Texas.
Habitat loss, car collisions, and shooting are ongoing threats. Crested caracaras are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S. but have no special protective status in Texas. Maintaining healthy populations of prey and carrion sources benefits crested caracaras. Providing nest platforms in areas with few trees may also assist nesting efforts. Overall the crested caracara remains a fairly common and resilient species in suitable habitat across Texas.
Where to See Crested Caracaras in Texas
Some of the best places to see crested caracaras in Texas include:
– King Ranch and surrounding ranchlands in South Texas
– Chaparral Wildlife Management Area near Corpus Christi
– Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge near Eagle Lake
– Powderhorn Ranch along the Texas coast
– Black Gap and Big Bend Ranch State Park in the Trans-Pecos
– Ranchlands and scrub habitat in the Edward’s Plateau and Hill Country
Crested caracaras may also be spotted along roads or highways traversing open ranch country, agricultural areas, or desert landscapes in south and west Texas. Key identification features to look for include the bare reddish face, distinctive black and white plumage, and bold black crest. Soaring overhead, crested caracaras can be picked out by their broad, banded wings and tail.
Fun Facts about Crested Caracaras
– The crested caracara is the national bird of Mexico.
– They use their feet to grab food items while in flight.
– Crested caracaras build large, bulky nests up to 6 feet wide and 3 feet tall.
– They have specialized feathers on their rump called “powder down” that produces a powder they spread on their feathers while preening to help clean and waterproof them.
– Groups of crested caracaras are called “choirs”.
– The Aztecs considered the crested caracara a sacred bird and a symbol of skill and power.
– Their scientific name “Caracara” comes from a Native American word meaning “bearer of plumes”.
– Crested caracara numbers have increased in Texas asscrub habitat has expanded due to suppression of natural wildfires.
Conclusion
The crested caracara is an imposing and unique bird of prey that reaches the northern extent of its range in Texas. As a scavenger and opportunistic forager, it fills an important niche in the ecosystems of south and west Texas. Sightings of these striking raptors with the bare, tan face and bold black and white plumage remain a thrill for bird enthusiasts across the state. Protecting the scrub habitats and ranchlands utilized by crested caracaras will ensure this iconic species remains a part of Texas’ natural heritage.