![]() Males may occasionally fight in the air.Ĭaracaras are some of Florida's first raptors to begin nesting. ![]() Courtship behavior may involve the pair perching next to each other, almost touching, and uttering a cackling call with their head thrown back. The breeding behavior is relatively unknown. One caracara was kept in captivity for at least 30 years. Occasionally large groups of individuals are encountered, which can be attributed to the carrion-feeding habit.Ĭaracaras are relatively long-lived birds. Adult caracaras may be found in the home range year-round. The only other vocalizations heard in Costa Rica were a one-syllable greeting and an alarm call.Ĭaracaras are non-migratory, although juvenile birds are nomadic. Observations of caracaras in Costa Rica and Mexico indicate that this call may be a part of pair formation or courtship. Not much information is available on vocalizations however, in the morning or evening, the caracara may throw its head back until it almost touches its shoulders and emit a high, cackling cry that resembles its Brazilian name. Since this sub-species is diurnal, the caracara can be easily observed by scientists and the public. They also soar in large circles at great heights.Ĭaracaras are often seen perched on fence posts, power poles, or other high positions. Caracaras are strong fliers and may reach speeds of 40 mph (64 kph). The flight resembles that of a northern harrier, but caracaras fly faster and more gracefully. The feet are clearly those of a raptor however, the talons are flatter, enabling the caracara to run and walk more easily than other raptors. The feet and flight behavior are also notable. The crest is raised if it feels threatened, frightened, or is on alert. When a caracara is comfortable and not threatened, the crest lies flat. The caracara's crest is also used for communication. Apparently, threat or fear causes blood to bypass the subepidermal blood vessels, resulting in a change in facial skin color. When threatened, the color of the facial skin changes to a pumpkin color and finally to pale yellow. When the bird is at rest, preening or being preened, or engaged in other non-aggressive behaviors, the facial skin is bright orange-red. The bare skin on the face of this bird is an interesting and distinctive feature. The full adult plumage is obtained sometime after age two, and age at first breeding is unknown. Facial skin of juveniles is pinkish in color, and the legs are gray. Adults have yellow orange facial skin and yellow legs. Sub-adults resemble adults but are more brownish in color. Juveniles have a similar color pattern but are brownish and buffy with the breast and upper back streaked instead of barred. The large white patches in the primaries and the white tail, broadly tipped with black, are both conspicuous in flight and can be recognized at a long distance. Prominent white patches are visible near the tips of the wings in flight. The tail is white with narrow, dark crossbars and a broad, dark terminal band. The breast and upper back are whitish, heavily barred with black. The lower part of the head, throat, upper abdomen, and under tail coverts are white, sometimes tinged with yellow. The adult is dark brownish black on the crown, wings, back, and lower abdomen. Its body length is 20-25 in (50-64 cm) and the wingspan is about 47 in (120 cm). ![]() The Audubon's crested caracara is a large raptor with a crest on the top of its head, a naked face, heavy bill, elongated neck, and unusually long legs. Habitat loss and disturbance by human activities. Lays eggs, which are incubated by both parents, who also share in care of the young. Audubon's Crested Caracara Polyborus plancus audubonii Statusĭry or wet prairie and lightly wooded areas.Ī scavenger of dead animals, as well as a predator of small animals.
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