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Crested caracara        Images © Mark A. Chappell

Caracaras are relatives of the falcons, but are less graceful and more inclined to feed on carrion. Several species are abundant in Central and South America, but only the crested caracara makes it as far north as the US, where it can be found in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Florida.   These were photographed on ranches in the lower Rio Grande valley of Texas, where they are abundant and obvious.   The adults are black and white and juveniles are brownish.   Birds of all ages give loud clattering calls, throwing their heads back in the process.   Picture of the southern caracara, a close relative from South America, can be found here, and images of caracaras in flight are here.

  • Canon 1D3, 500 mm f4 IS lens, some with 1.4X or 2X converter (2007, 2014)
  • Canon EOS1v, 500 mm f4 IS lens + 2X converter, Kodak Elite Chrome Extra Color (2003)