Costa Rica Species
Caracara cheriway
AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Caracara cheriway

Crested Caracara

Jacquin, 1784

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Distinctive bird of prey with long legs and terrestrial behavior, common in open spaces.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Julia Trouin

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Falconiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Falconidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Caracara
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Jacquin, 1784
Record Completeness
95%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Stable

Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Year Round

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

Scavenger

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Inhabits prairies, savannas, grasslands, and agricultural areas.

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

Opportunistic bird, very intelligent and social.

Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang

Usually seen alone, in pairs, or in small family groups.

Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang

Forages on the ground, flipping objects to search for food.

Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang

Plays a key role as a scavenger and predator of small animals.

Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang

They nest in trees, cacti, or even on the ground.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

50.0 - 65.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

800 g - 1.30 kg

Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 3
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No

Lifespan

Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.

2 - 3 Years

Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).

28 - 32

Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males10 - 15 Years
Females10 - 15 Years

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Adaptation to walking on the ground to search for carrion.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Transformation of natural habitats and pesticide use.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

Often observed walking on the ground instead of flying.