Crested Caracara

Raptor Resources Types of Birds Types of Hawks Types of Owls

The Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) is a new world raptor with most of its population living year round in Mexico, south South America.

Two different Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) populations live in the United States.

The Florida population, limited to the peninsula's central and southwest grassland areas, has been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act since 1987.

The Southwest population inhabits the scrub lands of south Texas and south Arizona.

Like other raptors, they are predators that feed on a variety of mammals and reptiles within their territory. They are also known to be scavengers, consuming carrion along with vultures.

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels