Crested caracaras are birds related to typical falcons. Even though they are related, the shape, appearance, and habits of crested caracaras are very different from their relatives. The pattern of this bird is strikingly colorful and its wingspan makes a crested caracara in-flight look broad. The bird mainly lives in pastures and grasslands. The main food of caracaras is carrion, which is the decaying flesh of dead animals. This species of birds is highly opportunistic. It hunts and scavenges in a variety of ways and eats almost anything it can find. They also steal and snatch food from other birds in the quest to satisfy their hunger.
Crested caracaras can steadily both run and walk on the ground. They run a little before lifting in the air. January to March is the main breeding season for these birds. They can be found in various climates such as tropical, temperate, and arid. This species of bird is diurnal and leads a sedentary lifestyle.
Although the Golden Eagle is actually the national bird of Mexico, the crested caracara is considered by many Mexican people as their national symbol. This is because they want to honor the bird as it appears as an Aztec pictogram on the Mexican flag.