Crested Caracara: Caracara cheriway About the size of an osprey,
this boldly patterned raptor has a crest, naked face, heavy bill
and longish neck and legs. Crested Caracara is a resident of the
prairies and range lands of south-central Florida. At one time,
caracaras were common in the prairies of central Florida, but
their numbers declined as favored habitat was converted to
housing developments, citrus groves and improved pastures.
Today, both the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service list the
caracara as Threatened. This species is most abundant in a six-
county area north and west of Lake Okeechobee (DeSoto, Glades,
Hendry, Highlands, Okeechobee and Osceola counties). Their
stronghold is privately held ranch land, and biologists are
working with landowners to better understand the needs of
caracaras and the many wild animals dependent on these upland
prairies. Consider a visit to Forever Florida and the Crescent J
Ranch, a private wilderness preserve and