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Manatee County

Audubon Society

Crested Caracara

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Name

Crested Caracara

Scientific Name

(Caracara plancus)

Why they are special:
  • A striking raptor often called the “Mexican eagle”, though it’s actually in the falcon family.

  • Known for its bold black-and-white plumage, long legs, and unusual foraging habits—often seen walking on the ground.

  • Considered a symbol of the Florida ranchlands, where they thrive in open pastures.
Size and color:
  • A large raptor, measuring 20–25 inches long with a wingspan of 47–52 inches.

  • Dark brown to black body with a white neck and head, topped by a distinctive black cap.

  • Facial skin is bare and orange, turning yellow during breeding season.

  • Long yellow legs and a hooked bill give it a fierce appearance.
Seasonality in Florida:
  • Year-round resident in Florida.

  • Manatee County’s pastures and open ranchlands are prime habitat for spotting them.
Habitat:
  • Found in open country—ranchlands, prairies, pastures, and grassy wetlands.

  • Often perched on fence posts, utility poles, or soaring low over fields.
Diet:
  • Opportunistic feeder—eats carrion, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

  • Unlike many raptors, frequently seen feeding on roadkill or scavenging alongside vultures.
Behavior:
  • Often forages on the ground, striding with confidence.

  • Not as swift as hawks in flight but agile and resourceful.

  • Pairs are territorial and will defend feeding and nesting areas.
Conservation notes:
  • Listed as Threatened in Florida due to habitat loss and fragmentation of ranchland.

  • Protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act within the state.
Best time to see:
  • Year-round in Manatee County, especially in agricultural areas and open grasslands.

  • Look for them perched on fence posts or soaring low over ranchlands.
Fun Fact:
  • Crested Caracaras are sometimes called “cowboy eagles” because they’re so often spotted in cattle pastures, striding confidently near livestock.
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