Crested Caracara

Also known as Northern Crested Caracara, Mexican Eagle

Crested caracaras are unusual, long-legged falcons that spend significant time walking and running on the ground in search of meals. They frequently associate with vultures at carcasses, often dominating feeding aggregations despite their slightly smaller size by using aggressive postures and sharp bills. Pairs bond for multiple seasons, performing striking head-rolling displays and noisy rattling calls during courtship atop isolated trees or utility poles.