How to Identify Crested Caracaras

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Learn about the habitat of the Crested Caracaras, that is limited to Texas, Mexico, southern Louisiana, Florida and southern Arizona. Look for these birds in open areas such as brush lands, pastures, prairies, deserts and seashores. The most common habitat is in arid climates, although you will find them in moist climates also.
Step 2:
Observe their appearance. Crested Caracaras are predominantly blackish-brown, with barring on their underparts and tails. These birds have a long, white neck and throat and a large head with bare red-colored skin on its face and a black cap. They have long legs and a hooked, blue-gray colored bill. During flight, you can see white patches on the rounded wings. Females look similar to the males, but are a little larger. Juveniles are browner overall and have buff spots and streaks on their upper parts and under parts.
Step 3:
Take note of the size of the Crested Caracaras. These large birds range in size from 49 to 58 cm, weigh between 1050 and 1300 g and have a wingspan around 120 cm in width.
Step 4:
Listen for the call of the usually quiet Crested Caracaras. They do make a low pitched rattle call on occasion that sounds like "wuck" or "wick."
Step 5:
Watch the Crested Caracaras in flight when the birds use strong wing beats that are alternated with glides. These glides can be short or long in length. They sometimes appear to be soaring in the sky.

Tips & Warnings

Don't confuse Crested Caracaras with Black Vultures. The Black Vulture does not have barring on its tail or breast, nor does it have a red skin on its face.

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