Crested Caracara

Posted by .

Crested Caracara in flight against a blue sky, with wings in downstroke (sandra calderbank)

 

 

The Crested Caracara looks like a colorful  long legged hawk, behaves much like a vulture but is really a Falcon.  It is commonly  called the ‘Mexican Eagle’ and is native to much of South America, but only a few areas in North America.   I photographed this one in the Viera Wetlands in Florida.

They are monogamous, attentive and very capable parents.  They will  sometimes come close and have a variety of behaviors which make for beautiful photo opportunities. They are impressively large and their faces have real character. It is always special to see them.
Crested Caracara in flight against blue sky, soaring. Image is vertical (sandra calderbank)

 

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.