Crested caracara
The crested caracara is a large falcon native to the Americas, recognized by its black crest, bare orange face, and frequent feeding on carrion.
Falcon: A bird of prey in the family Falconidae, typically characterized by pointed wings and hooked bills. The crested caracara belongs to this family despite its unusual scavenging habits.
Scavenging: Feeding on animals that have died from causes other than being killed by the consumer. Carrion is a regular food source, though not the bird's only one.
Neotropical realm: A biogeographic region encompassing Central America, much of South America, and nearby islands. Most of the crested caracara's distribution lies within this realm.
American kestrel: A small North American falcon that hunts insects and small vertebrates, often hovering over open ground. Unlike this compact aerial hunter, the caracara is large and often feeds on foot.
Audubon's crested caracara: A North American population of the crested caracara found from the southern United States into Mexico. This population marks the species' northern range and is especially familiar in Florida and Texas.
Caracara: A group of falcons native to the Americas, generally long-legged and often feeding on carrion. The crested caracara is the best-known member of this group.
Kleptoparasitism: Obtaining food by stealing prey or food collected by another animal. Caracaras sometimes harass other birds to take their catches.
Grassland: An open ecosystem dominated by grasses, with few trees and variable rainfall. Open grasslands provide accessible ground for hunting and scavenging.
Peregrine falcon: A widespread falcon known for high-speed dives used to capture birds in flight. The peregrine specializes in aerial pursuit, while the caracara commonly scavenges on the ground.
Florida: A southeastern U.S. state with subtropical wetlands, prairies, and extensive coastal environments. Florida supports a notable population near the northern edge of the species' range.