m |
(minor changes to fit with up-to-date taxonomy + added in-flight photo) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | ;Caracara | + | ;Caracara cheriway |
| − | [[Image:Crested_Caracara.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Photo by JBerard]] | + | [[Image:Crested_Caracara.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Photo by JBerard<br />Locality: Florida, USA.]] |
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | Length: 21 inches, | + | Also known as the '''Northern Caracara'''. Previously listed as ''Caracara plancus'' (''see taxonomy''). Length: 21 inches (54 cm), wingspan: 48 inches (120 cm). Distinctive shape, long neck and legs; dark with white ends. In flight, a large and conspicious whitish patch ("window") can be seen in the primaries. The tail is pale with faint barring and a dark tip. |
| + | |||
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
| − | + | Very similar to the closely related [[Southern Caracara]], which see. | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ==Distribution== | |
| + | North, Central and northern South America. In North America breeds in southern Arizona, southern Texas and east along the Gulf Coast into Louisiana and in south-central Florida. Also a rare breeder in southern New Mexico and breeds from Baja California and northern Mexico south to Panama. In South America it occurs throughout most of the Guianas, Venezuela, Colombia, W. Ecuador, NW Peru, and N. Brazil as far south as the Rio Amazon region. Also breeds in Cuba and the Isle of Pines and has occurred as a vagrant in Jamaica. Common over most of range, but scarcer in the USA. Resident. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Image:Flying_Northern_Caracara.jpg|thumb|320px|left|Photo by CurtMorgan<br />Locality: Florida, USA.]] | ||
| + | ==Habitat== | ||
| + | A range of habitats including arid scrubland and semi-desert, open woodland and riverine woodland, savanna with scattered trees, mangrove swamps and shorelines in some areas. Often near humans. Generally avoids densely forested regions (e.g. the Amazon), where largely resticted to the vicinity of rivers. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Behavior== | ||
| + | This bird will feed on snakes, lizards, fish, turtle eggs, small mammals, and other live animals, but will readily feed on carrion as well. Nests in trees, shrubs, or cactus. Usually lays 2 or three eggs. | ||
| − | + | ==Taxonomy== | |
| + | Previously considered conspecific with the Southern Caracara. Following the split, the Crested Caracara become ''Caracara cheriway'', while the Southern is ''Caracara plancus''. Sometimes also includes the now extinct [[Guadalupe Caracara]]. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
| − | *[http://www.birdforum.net/ | + | *[http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/search.php?keywords=Caracara+cheriway&cat=525 View more images of Crested Caracara in the gallery] |
[[Category:Birds]] | [[Category:Birds]] | ||
Revision as of 16:10, 29 April 2007
- Caracara cheriway
Description
Also known as the Northern Caracara. Previously listed as Caracara plancus (see taxonomy). Length: 21 inches (54 cm), wingspan: 48 inches (120 cm). Distinctive shape, long neck and legs; dark with white ends. In flight, a large and conspicious whitish patch ("window") can be seen in the primaries. The tail is pale with faint barring and a dark tip.
Identification
Very similar to the closely related Southern Caracara, which see.
Distribution
North, Central and northern South America. In North America breeds in southern Arizona, southern Texas and east along the Gulf Coast into Louisiana and in south-central Florida. Also a rare breeder in southern New Mexico and breeds from Baja California and northern Mexico south to Panama. In South America it occurs throughout most of the Guianas, Venezuela, Colombia, W. Ecuador, NW Peru, and N. Brazil as far south as the Rio Amazon region. Also breeds in Cuba and the Isle of Pines and has occurred as a vagrant in Jamaica. Common over most of range, but scarcer in the USA. Resident.
Habitat
A range of habitats including arid scrubland and semi-desert, open woodland and riverine woodland, savanna with scattered trees, mangrove swamps and shorelines in some areas. Often near humans. Generally avoids densely forested regions (e.g. the Amazon), where largely resticted to the vicinity of rivers.
Behavior
This bird will feed on snakes, lizards, fish, turtle eggs, small mammals, and other live animals, but will readily feed on carrion as well. Nests in trees, shrubs, or cactus. Usually lays 2 or three eggs.
Taxonomy
Previously considered conspecific with the Southern Caracara. Following the split, the Crested Caracara become Caracara cheriway, while the Southern is Caracara plancus. Sometimes also includes the now extinct Guadalupe Caracara.
