Caracara

The Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) is native to Cuba, northern South America, and Central America and Mexico. Its territory reaches the southern US including Florida and Texas. It is a bird of open and semi-open country. In Texas they ares most common in cattle ranches with scattered trees. The Northern Caracara is a carnivorous scavenger. The live prey they do catch is usually immobile, injured, incapacitated or young. They hunt on foot, often turning over branches and cow dung to reach food. They may be seen pilfering food from other birds including hawks and vultures.