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Crested Caracara

Caracara cheriway

Photo by ceherzog
Published on Project Noah
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27.6124, -81.0534

Field Notes

Description:

Large, 23" seen in semi-open lowlands especially agricultural areas in Florida. Eats carrion and lizards.

Habitat:

wetland prairie: Kissimmee Prairie

Notes:

Caracaras were pretty abundant on the side of the road on the drive from Sarasota to the prairie...we saw about 12.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (11)
ceherzog
Thanks Leuba. I did find out that the orange spot is the crop.
ceherzog
Thanks Alice...does anyone know what that orange spot on the chest is...in the second photo? Maybe a crop bulging?
ceherzog
Thanks...they seem to favor agricultural fields but, I do think the population is increasing.
LarryGraziano
I lived on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and traveled to Miami frequently. I never saw one in ten years there...not even in my favorite birdwatching place - J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Great sighting!
ceherzog
Yea, it does kinda have that Elvis look. Thanks asergio & Luc
LucBertrand
What a beautiful bird ! Very nice picture Super !
Sergio Monteiro
I love their hairdo, it gives them an Elvish look (from Elvis, not from elves...) ;-)
ceherzog
According to Sibley, they make their way into Texas, New Mexico & Utah, as well,
Sergio Monteiro
I didn't know caracaras reached as far as Florida. Thought to be a south american species only. Living and learning. Tx for sharing, ceherzog.

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Birds of the World
Photographed
PublishedOctober 17, 2011

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