Definition

Noun: 1. A bird of prey belonging to the subfamily Polyborinae or Caracarinae within the falcon family (Falconidae). Caracaras are characterized by their long legs, relatively bare faces, and behavior that includes both active predation and scavenging for carrion. They are native to South America, Central America, and the southern United States.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The crested caracara is often seen perched on fence posts or walking on the ground.
  • Unlike typical falcons, the caracara has a slower flight and spends much time scavenging.
  • We spotted a caracara feeding on roadkill along the highway.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• Caracaras are considered ecological generalists. Their diet and behavior are more varied than those of many other raptors, which is reflected in terms used to describe them.
• "Carrion-eating hawk": This is a common descriptive phrase for the caracara, emphasizing its important role as a scavenger, similar to vultures, though it is a type of falcon.
• "Long-legged raptor": This description highlights its distinctive physical trait of having long legs adapted for walking on the ground, which is unusual for falcons.

Variants and Related Words

• Crested Caracara (): A specific, widespread species found from the southern U.S. to South America.
• Caruncle: Refers to the bare, often colored skin on the face and throat of a caracara.
• Falconid: A member of the family (falcons and caracaras).

Synonyms

• Raptor: A general term for birds of prey (e.g., hawks, eagles, falcons).
• Scavenger: An animal that feeds on dead organic material. (This describes a primary behavior of the caracara.)
• Bird of prey: A broad term encompassing eagles, hawks, falcons, and similar birds.

Related Idioms or Phrases

There are no common idioms specifically using the word "caracara." As a specific zoological term, it is not typically used in figurative language.

Noun

1. any of various long-legged carrion-eating hawks of South America and Central America