The Crested Caracara, A Rural Florida Icon

Southwest Florida, with its unique and beautiful ecosystems, is likewise home to many unique and beautiful animal species. Many people flock to southwest Florida to enjoy the ample birding opportunities offered here, though sadly those opportunities are decreasing due to habitat loss and climate change. Nonetheless, the area is still home to a truly unique species of bird, the Crested Caracara, scientific name Caracara plancus. This iconic raptor looks like a hawk and behaves like a vulture, but it is actually the largest falcon species found in Florida.

Unlike most birds of prey, which prefer to perch in trees, the Caracara can often be seen walking about on the ground. Similar to vultures, caracaras feed on carrion though they may also occasionally take live prey such as baby birds. The favored habitat of caracaras is open habitat such as wet prairies and pastures, which is unfortunately land that is quickly disappearing as more housing developments are built. Unlike other falcons who will use nests created by other birds or a depression in rock or the ground, the caracara builds its own nest in cabbage palm trees. The nests are very well hidden amongst the large palm fronds, so it is extremely important to be observant around cabbage palm trees when conducting any clearing or building activity that may disrupt their nesting behavior.

These striking and unforgettable birds are uncommon, but easy to find and identify if you know where to look. They can often be seen on the side of the road perched in dead trees or powerlines on highways that pass through open agricultural and rural areas. If you wish to see one, you can try going for a ride down state road 82, 29, 70, and other roads that meet this description in central southern Florida. Although this species is protected by the US Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the rampant loss of their unique habitat will ultimately lead to this species becoming even less common than it is now.