Perched upright on a branch or telephone pole, a CARACARA gives an impression of grandfather-lethargy. This is soon dispelled if its keen eyes detect a prairie dog or rabbit and the listless form is instantly changed to Falconlike energy. Some are piratically inclined, levying tribute on Pelicans when they have fish in their pouches.
NEST: a bulky structure of branches, twigs, grass and roots only slightly depressed; located in trees, bushes or on cliffs.
EGGS: 2 or 3; light or dark brown, blotched and specked ochre, burnt umber and lavender.
Northern lower California, Arizona, Texas and Florida.
A small tree (6 to 8 feet), distributed on mountain slopes of southern Arizona.