The crested caracara, also known as the Mexican eagle, northern caracara or Audubon's caracara, is a widespread member of the falcon family, found primarily in Mexico, Central America and northern South America; it also inhabits southern Arizona, south Texas and the dry prairies of central Florida. Unlike other falcons, it is not a swift, aerial hunter; rather, this omnivorous bird is primarily a scavenger and usually hunts on the ground.
Preferring dry, open country, including desert grasslands, cattle ranches and savannas, the crested caracara is generally found alone or in small groups though it is frequently in the company of vultures. Carrion is its primary food source though it also consumes insects, small birds, small mammals, lizards and eggs. Mating occurs in mid-late winter (depending on latitude) and a clutch of 2-4 eggs is laid in a bulky nest of sticks, usually in a lone tree surrounded by grassland. Very slow to mature, young caracaras are unable to fend for themselves for at least three months.
The population of crested caracaras in central Florida likely became established during the Pleistocene, when oak savannas stretched across the Gulf Coast region. As the climate warmed during the Holocene (beginning 10,000 years ago), the vegetation of the Deep South gradually changed and the savannas disappeared, leaving a remnant population on the dry prairies of the Sunshine State.
