JeffWendorff's bird photography portfolio includes the
Caracaras in the family, Falconidae.
Cararcara WikiCaracara, also called carrion hawk, any of about 10 species of birds of prey of the New World subfamily Polyborinae (or Daptriinae) of the family Falconidae.
Caracaras feed largely on carrion, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Unlike the falcons in the same family,
caracara are not fast-flying aerial hunters, but are comparatively slow and are often scavengers They are gregarious and aggressive. In spite of their smaller size, they dominate vultures when feeding.
Caracaras are recognized by their long legs and by the reddish naked skin of the cheeks and throat. They range in size from 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24 inches) long.
Crested Caracara A tropical falcon version of a vulture, the
Crested Caracara reaches the United States only in Arizona, Texas, and Florida. It is a bird of open country, where it often is seen at carrion with vultures. A common subject of folklore and legends throughout Central and South America, the
Crested Caracara is sometimes referred to as the "Mexican Eagle."
Yellow-headed Caracara The
Yellow-headed Caracara is omnivorous, and will eat reptiles, amphibians and other small animals as well as carrion. It will also take ticks from cattle, and is locally called "tickbird". The
Yellow-headed Caracara has benefited from forest clearing for cattle ranching. It adapts readily to urban areas it is among the most commonly seen bird of prey in Latin American cities. ås a result of the increased urban sprawl,
Yellow-headed Caracara pairs are frequently seen along the rooftops in suburban neighborhoods.
Collective Noun - CaracaraMost people apply the collective nouns for falcons to the Caracara, but they act more like vultures, so let's use a wake for the collective noun.
Photography Workshops and ToursJeff leads photography workshops around the country including workshops that specialize in bird photography. If you’d like to learn more about his nature and wildlife photography workshops, visit his website at
www.wildlifeworkshops.com
