The adult is dark brownish black on the crown, wings, lower back, and upper abdomen. The tail is white with narrow dark crossbars and a broad dark tip. Prominent white patches are visible near the tips of the wings in flight. Juveniles have a similar color pattern but are brownish and buffy with the breast and upper back streaked instead of barred. Subadults resemble adults but are duller.
Adults have reddish-orange facial skin and yellow legs.
Other common names include caracara, Audubon's caracara, crested caracara, common caracara, caracara eagle, Mexican eagle, Mexican buzzard, and king buzzard. The subspecies has this status wherever found including the State of Florida. Critical Habitat has not been designated. Date 14 MAR 96 public lands under their control. Wildlife Code of the State of Florida, Title 39, Florida Admin.