The Crested Caracara is a striking bird of prey found in open landscapes of the Americas. It has a distinctive appearance with a black cap, white neck, and striking orange facial skin. Known for its opportunistic feeding behavior, it often scavenges and is commonly seen on the ground.

Caracara cheriway, commonly known as the Crested Caracara, is native to the Americas. Its geographical distribution ranges from the southern United States, particularly in Florida, Texas, and Arizona, through Central America, and down to northern South America, including countries such as Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela.

The Crested Caracara typically inhabits open and semi-open landscapes. These include savannas, grasslands, deserts, and scrublands. It is often found in areas with sparse vegetation, such as open fields, pastures, and along the edges of forests. This species is adapted to warmer climates and can be found in both arid and humid environments.

The Crested Caracara is a versatile feeder, occupying the ecological niche of both predator and scavenger. It preys on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects, but is also known to scavenge carrion. Its adaptability in diet allows it to thrive in a variety of habitats. Caracaras are often seen foraging on the ground and are known to be opportunistic feeders, taking advantage of human-altered landscapes such as agricultural areas.