Crested Caracara

raptor · falcon · adaptable · Americas

Bold bird of prey. The crested caracara is a falcon that hunts in the Americas, from the southern United States all the way down to the tip of South America near Chile.

Lives almost anywhere. This bird is super adaptable and can survive in deserts, rainforests, swamps, coastal areas, and even cities, which is rare for raptors.

Fancy feathered crown. It gets its name from the distinctive crest of feathers on its head that sticks up like a punk rocker's hairdo.

Strays far north sometimes. Although it normally lives in warm regions, crested caracaras have been spotted as far north as Minnesota and even Canada, though these sightings are very unusual.