Northern Caracara

58 cm (23") Uncommon. Southern prairies, open scrublands.

A day flying raptor with hooked bill and hooked claws. Large scavenger; associates with vultures. Large head, long neck, red face, black crest. Long legs.

In flight; white head and chest, white wing patch near tip of rounded wing. Black banded whitish tail.

Videos

Images

Credit: Terry-Davis

Credit: Dave Curtis

Credit: Ross Tsai

Credit: Bill Bouton

Distribution Maps

Northern Caracara distribution map

Northern Caracara winter distribution map