The strikingly colored Crested Caracara keeps an eye out for lizards and carrion. Photo Matt Victoria.

This big, long-legged hawk is easily identified in flight by its large head and white patches at the ends of its rounded wings. Their dark bodies and contrasting white throat and neck, accentuated by the red skin at the base of the bill, can be startling when you catch an unexpected glimpse at them. On Aruba, look for caracaras on the ground along the roadsides, feeding on carrion and lizards.

Watch Natalie Hodges' short video clip of two Crested Caracaras on Aruba.