Sunday, October 28, 2007

Crested CaraCara








These are the most remarkable birds in my neighborhood. They are beautiful to see.
I always have a good day when I see them on my way to work.
NAME DERIVATION: The scientific name comes from poly, the Greek word for many or varied; boros, meaning gluttonous and remarks on the bird’s voracious appetite; and from the Latin word plancus, which is a word Aristotle used for an eagle. The common name, caracara, is what South Americans called the bird and probably imitates the sound of the bird. This bird has been called Caracara Eagle, King Buzzard, Mexican Eagle, Audubon’s Caracara, and Mexican Buzzard. The scientific name of this bird was formerly Caracara cheriway.
INTERESTING FACTS:

* Unlike other members of the falcon family that do not construct nests, the caracara builds a stick nest.

* The caracara is the most terrestrial bird in the falcon group. It spends a great deal of time on the ground.