Caracara Crested basic information

The Crested Caracara has a long neck and can be identified by its white wingtip patches, white head and white tails. The rest of the wings and the back are black, but are brown in juveniles. The tail also has a terminal band, which is black. The head is accented by a black crest, which is shaggy, and the feet are yellow. These features have been reputed to give the Crested Caracara an appearance somewhat like a Bald Eagle crossed with a common chicken wearing a funny wig! Although the cere of the Crested Caracara is red, it is reputed to turn yellow when the bird becomes startled. Their bills are hooked and quite strong. The Crested Caracara's talons are rather blunt and somewhat thin.