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|genera=''Caracara''<br/>''Daptrius''<br/>''Ibycter''<br/>''Milvago''<br/>''Phalcoboenus''
|genera=''Caracara''<br/>''Daptrius''<br/>''Ibycter''<br/>''Milvago''<br/>''Phalcoboenus''
}}
}}
'''Caracara''' referes to several species of [[bird of prey|predatory birds]] found primarily in Latin America. Despite being slow aerial fliers, and often on the ground as scavengers, caracaras have been placed in the family Falconidae alongside true falcons.
'''Caracara''' or '''carrion hawk''' refers to several species of [[bird of prey|predatory birds]] found primarily in Latin America. Despite being slow aerial fliers, and often on the ground as scavengers, caracaras have been placed in the family Falconidae alongside true falcons.
==Name==
The origin of the name "caracara" is uncertain; it may be a Spanish or Portuguese corruption of a Tupi word<ref>http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caracara</ref> based on the sound the bird makes. The alternate scientific name ''Polyborus'' is from the Greek, referring to the bird's seemingly gluttonous appetite<ref>http://www.peregrinefund.org/subsites/explore-raptors-2001/falcons/crstcara.html</ref>.
==Description==
Caracaras range in size from 16 to 24 inches, with a wingspan up to four feet. The face in most species is bare of feathers, with the skin red in color. A crest of feathers is present on the back of the head, and in several species this crest has the appearance of a bold, black "cap". When on the ground caracaras move about on long legs, and despite being smaller than vultures, their aggressive nature allows them to take over a carcass. In addition to carrion, the birds also take live prey when the opportunity presents itself, feeding on rodents, reptiles, insects, and other small animals.
==Range==
Caracaras are found throughout the Americas, ranging as far north as [[Florida]] and the southwestern [[United States]], and as far south as [[Tierra del Fuego]] and the [[Falkland Islands]]. One species was endemic to Guadalupe Island off [[Mexico]]'s Baja Pennisula, but became extinct due to man.
==Reproduction==
Caracaras build large nests of sticks in trees, large cacti, or on the ground. Up to three eggs are laid, incubating for 28-32 days before hatching. The fledgling period takes around three months before the young fly.
==Species==
==Species==
*'''Genus ''Caracara'''''
*'''Genus ''Caracara'''''; other authorities name the genus as ''Polyborus''
**[[Crested caracara]], ''Caracara cheriway''
**[[Crested caracara]], ''Caracara cheriway''
**[[Guadalupe caracara]], ''Caracara lutosa'' (extinct, 1903)
**[[Guadalupe caracara]], ''Caracara lutosa'' (extinct, 1903)
**[[Striated caracara]], ''Phalcoboenus australis''
**[[Striated caracara]], ''Phalcoboenus australis''
**[[White-throated caracara]], ''Phalcoboenus albogularis''
**[[White-throated caracara]], ''Phalcoboenus albogularis''
==References==
<small><references/></small>
[[Category:Birds of Prey]][[Category:Caracaras]]
[[Category:Birds of Prey]][[Category:Caracaras]]