The Caracara is a strange bird that seems like a cross between a hawk and a vulture. Taxonomically, it is a member of the falcon family but is unlike any other falcon. Falcons are very fast-moving birds who prey primarily on smaller birds in flight. The Peregrine Falcon can dive at 320 km/h (200 mph), making it the fastest animal on the planet. It is incredible to watch in aerial combat with other birds. The Caracara, on the other hand, feeds mainly on carrion.
There are eleven different species of Caracara, most of them found in South America
Like vultures, they eat carrion, but unlike vultures, they do not have bald and ugly heads. In fact, it is a beautiful bird. They spend their time trying to outwit the turkey vultures and to find any dead animals before they do. Caracaras are a bit smarter than the average vulture.
Smarter than the average vulture
While vultures fly around at random, looking for carrion from a considerable height, the Caracara walks or flies low to the ground. Also, they are smart enough to cruise up and down the highways in the early morning because they have learned that automobiles often kill animals at night. Of course, vultures also know this, but the Caracara wakes up earlier in the morning than the vulture and goes out at first light to find any carrion before the sleepy vultures get out of bed.
It is one of the few raptors that often hunts on foot instead of from the air. This way, they find animals that have died in the bushes and are not visible to the vultures far above. Although they feed primarily on carrion, they will take small, live animals, especially if they have been injured or are very young.
Northern Crested Caracara
The only Caracara found in North America is the Northern Crested Caracara. They can be found in extreme southern Texas and a few in Florida. Their main range is south of the United States border to northern Brazil. They can also be found in Cuba.