Common NameCrested Caracara
Scientific NameCaracara cheriway
Type of ReportRare Species
Date of Observation03/05/2020
MediaMedia
Number Observed1
Reporting Observer's NameZac Cota
Mailing Address175 Depot Street
HYDE PARK, VT 05655
United States
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EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Date Completed08/27/2020
Latitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide)43.63487
Longitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide)-72.52256
Place NameRoute 12
TownshipWoodstock
CountyWindsor
Vermont eBird Checklist URLebird.org
Time of Day04:30 PM
Length of Time Observed13
Maximum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet)400
Minimum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet)150
Noteworthy Weather Conditions

Overcast

Optical Equipment Used for Observation

Vortex 10x50 binoculars. Celestron Ultimaa 100mm scope.

Observer’s Previous Acquaintance With This or Similar Species

None.

I certify that any attachments included with this report were captured during this observation event​​.
Description of Habitat

Perched in large deciduous tree along river.

Behaviors Observed

Perched during entire observation.

Description of Vocalizations

Did not vocalize.

Verbal Narrative & Description of Observation

Continuing Crested Caracara seen well by many observers. Birders had relocated bird prior to my arrival, near where it was first discovered. Bird remained perched in tree until I departed.

Relative Size & Shape

Raptorial, buteo sized.

Head

Black crown and crest. Pink face. Nape and throat pale off-white.

Feet & Bill

Hooked pale blue bill. Long yellow legs.

Breast, Belly, Flanks, Under Tail Coverts

Breast white, belly black, with transition of horizontal black barring.

IMPORTANT: What similar species were eliminated when making the identification and how was this bird different?

Unique and nearly unmistakeable. No other raptor with pink face, blue bill, and black crest.

This report was written from notes taken:Written from Memory