The Crested Caracara, with its opportunistic lifestyle, deploys a number of hunting strategies. When hunting, or searching for carrion (probably whichever comes first), while on the wing, it will fly at low to moderate heights hoping to surprise prey. Unlike vultures which cannot fly until mid morning because thermals have not developed, the Crested Caracara is able to fly at daybreak allowing access to carrion earlier than their competitors. In fact, in Texas and Florida, the Crested Caracara is seen early in the morning scouring the roadways looking for animals killed in the night.
It does not appear to be good bird hunter, with many of its successful kills being on sick or injured birds. When hunting larger birds, like the Cattle Egret, it will often hunt cooperatively in pairs. The Crested Caracara raids nests, eating any eggs and chicks. It is a well known pirate. For example, in southern Texas, it will mob incoming Brown Pelicans with food forcing them to drop their catch. It employs this technique on crows, and other raptors as well. In Mexico, as farmers plough their fields, a dozen or more Crested Caracaras will follow behind, preying on any exposed lizards, rodents, or birds. This species will tear apart rotting logs in search of insects as well as scratching among dung. It is commonly found on southern livestock farms and slaughterhouses. It is an expert at killing goats and sheep, especially the new-born and young. With new-born, the Crested Caracara will hunt cooperatively, attempting to separate the kid or lamb from the mother, peck the eyeballs out and then kill with the beak. At a pig slaughterhouse is Mexico up to 150 were observed in one afternoon. It also fishes in shallow water.
The Crested Caracara is assumed to have long term pair bonds but there are too few observations for this to be substantiated. The display involves a ritual prey item lifted up and down in its beak each time the mate approaches (which sex does what is unclear). After this, they will stand at approximately a 45 degree angle of each other and call while tossing their heads back until the crowns rests on the upper backs. This call is also used in conflict situations.
In Florida, one home range was estimated at 20 square miles (55 square kilometers). This is not a migratory species and movements are usually made by dispersing young.
There is no information how long Crested Caracaras live in the wild but a captive bird lived for 30 years.
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The long legs and flat talons of this species permits running after quick prey and scratching for insects. The significance of the facial skin, being able to change from yellow to bright red, is not well understood but it no doubt plays a role in communication.
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Often hunts cooperatively in pairs
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Opportunistic lifestyle; eats carrion
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Feeds mainly on carrion
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