Latin Etymology: Caracara (from old Tupi name for species) plancus ("flat")
Juvenile Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025
Featured Subspecies: Caracara plancus cheriway
Weight: 0.9-1.6kg / Length: 50-65cm / Wingspan: 120-132cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern
A very widely ranging species found from the Southern USA to Patagonia, they are primarily carrion feeders but are broadly opportunistic and will also hunt or pirate food from other species. They are also adaptable and tactical and will follow things disturbing a habitat such as farming or wildfire as an opportunity to snatch fleeing prey.
Related Species:
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Falconidae
Genus: Caracara
SUBSPECIES: C. p. cheriway, C. p. plancus
- Sighting Locations -
A widespread resident
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at San Jose and Tarcoles
Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto
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