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Southern Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

Photo by Mick G
Published on Project Noah
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27.4957, -81.441

Field Notes

Description:

"eagle like" raptor that I see regularly on the roadside. Often on side of road eating carrion.

Habitat:

Central Floridas scrub area. Dwarf live oak, prickly pear cactus, scrub palms. Near ranch areas and near roads.

Notes:

Seems to enjoy walking (in a sense, more like a hop). Easily approached and will allow one to get within 40 to 50 feet to observe.By far one of my favorite birds to watch.

Reference Links:

Southern Crested Caracara, Crested Caracara

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (5)
Mick G
@AshleyT, definitely my favorite Florida Raptor. These guys are on the route 27 and the Bee Line from Okeechobee to Sebring regularly. They walk around like peg-legged pirates. Seeming to like walking better than flying. They will let you get very close. Seem unafraid of humans.
Ashish
I love to see such great birds in freedom...
Mick G
Threatened or vulnerable species here. Hard to find outside of desert like scrub habitat in central Florida.
João Burini
Interesting to see these are up there as well, common species here in south america
MitchRay
I love seeing these guys in Texas. Every once in a while I'll see one kicking the crap out of some black vultures and stealing their meal.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Birds of the Southeast U.S.
Mission
Birds of the World
Mission
Florida's Flora & Fauna
Mission
Raptors of North America
Mission
Mission WILD
Photographed
PublishedAugust 28, 2011

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