The Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway)
is a member of the falcon family,also the national bird of Mexico.
These birds reside in the southwestern United States and Florida, Central America,
and South America.
In Florida, they are found in open grassland habitats formerly native prairie
but currently mainly improved rangeland.
The diet includes both carrion and live prey. Many kinds of insects and other
invertebrates, as well as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are
consumed. Foraging methods include capturing live prey on the ground or by aerial
pursuit, patrolling highways for roadkills, and pursuing Turkey Vultures to force
them to disgorge their crop contents. |