Bird Gallery Index

Crested Caracara image © Bill Duke

Family: (Falconidae) Falcons and Caracaras

Preferred Habitat: Open habitats - fields and marshes.

Seasonal Occurrence: Throughout the year, but more common in winter. Breeds in our area.

Notes: The Crested Caracara is a large tropical member of the Falcon family. The Upper Texas Coast is at the northern limit of its range. David Sarkozi reports that it is often called the "four-point bird" because it has white feathers on its head, tail and wing tips. Crested Caracaras eat both carrion and live prey. The Katy Prairie is an excellent location to search for them. They are also regularly found at coastal marshes such as Horseshoe Marsh Bird Sanctuary.
- Susan Billetdeaux