Crested caracara on a cactus by Pieter JF Smit

The crested caracara is a bird of prey native to South America. The bird was validly described and pictured by John Frederick Miller in 1777. This picture was taken on Bonaire

The bird has a length of 49 to 65 cm and a weight of 1050 to 1600 grams. The crested caracara is dark grey-brown with a creamy white head and neck. The breast, tail and wing tips are banded black and white. Also notable is the substantial orange wax skin at the base of the bill and the bird's black crown, long, yellow legs and very short toes. There is no difference in appearance between the two sexes.

This caracara is an opportunistic animal that feeds on both carrion and live prey. Rodents, young birds and turtles, lizards, frogs, eggs, worms and insects are on its menu. Several caracara's may sometimes work together to kill larger prey. In addition, the crested caracara feasts on washed-up fish and dead game.

Much of its time is spent on the ground. Its long legs and flat claws allow it to walk and run well. This bird of prey scavenges for food by itself or steals it from other birds, for example vultures, pelicans and buzzards. It also robs weaker conspecifics. With its legs, the caracara turns over leaves or dried droppings of large animals in search of small animals to eat. 'At night, this bird of prey searches for frogs in shallow water. Unlike vultures, which they often hang out with, crested caracara's do not hover, but have a direct wing beat. As a result, caracara's often find dead and hit animals earlier than vultures, as they depend on thermals. The dead animals are torn to pieces with their beaks, while the caracara stops them with its leg. The crested caracara often lives in pairs and the pair usually has a large territory.

This artwork is offered by Pieter JF Smit

Pieter Smit was born in Arnhem and has lived on Bonaire since 2010. In his spare time, he enjoys taking photos, mainly of the Caribbean island's colourful birds.

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