The national bird of Mexico, this scavenger has probably the most varied diet of any bird of prey. It often accompanies and dominates vultures at fresh kills or carrion and also eats small animals. It is primarily a ground-inhabiting falcon of open prairies, with long legs that enable it to walk and run with ease.

description 20-22" (51-56 cm). W. 4' (1.2 m). A large, long-legged, hawk-like bird with rounded wings. Dark brown with black cap and bare red face; throat, neck, and base of tail white; tip of tail has black band. In flight, shows large white patches near wing tips. Often seen on the ground.

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