Cracker, a male Crested Caracara, was admitted to Audubon's National Center for Birds of Prey as a juvenile in April of 2000. Biologists conducting a study of this threatened species in the Okeechobee, Florida area noticed that this young bird's left wing hung unnaturally. An examination found the wing to be permanently deformed rendering Cracker incapable of normal flight. The origin of the injury remains unknown-it could be trauma related or possibly a genetic defect.
The Caracara is a fascinating bird, and Cracker exhibits many unusual behaviors characteristic of his species. Caracaras use their long legs to scratch at the ground looking for insects in a behavior known as "bugging." It's a comical sight and at first glance, one may think they are watching a giant chicken rather than a regal bird of prey. Cracker "bugs" exuberantly and in only a few days time he excavated a rather large hole behind his perch. To someone unfamiliar with the behavior, it might have appeared that he was trying to tunnel his way under the aviary fence. Cracker is also fond of "dust bathing," a behavior common among species living in open, bare country. First, he lies down in a sunny, dusty spot with his belly against the ground and rocks to form a body-sized hollow. Then he fluffs out his feathers and shuffles his wings flicking dust onto his back and allowing it to sift through his feathers. When finished "dusting" Cracker rises, shakes vigorously and preens. Although the exact function of dust bathing is unknown, it may help to reduce oil and moisture in the plumage and control feather parasites.
Although the area around his perch is strewn with playthings (plastic dog chew toys and rattles), Cracker often busies himself playing with twigs and foliage. He will hop up on his perch and give a harsh, rattling call if approached too closely. When he throws his head back over his shoulders and voices a resounding cackle, it appears as if he is enjoying a private joke. When he becomes excited, the bright red bare skin on the face that makes Cracker look as if he is blushing will become pale.
Cracker has been glove trained in traditional falconry methods and travels with the Center's education department encouraging conservation of wildlife and wildlands. A representative of a unique species indigenous to our state, he truly is a Florida "Cracker."
Caracaras are scavengers and share the trait of roadside feeding with vultures. In fact, Caracaras often associate with vultures in the wild. The more aggressive among the species, Caracaras will often harass vultures into disgorging their food. Although actually a member of the falcon family, the Crested Caracara is also known as the Mexican Eagle and is Mexico's national bird.
Cracker can be sponsored through the Audubon Adopt-a-Bird program.
Call 407-644-0190 or e-mail info@adoptabird.org for details on how
you can make Trouble a part of your family!
