American Kestrel vs Crested Caracara
How does the American Kestrel compare to the Crested Caracara? They are both members of the Falconidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Falco sparverius
- Caracara plancus
- Classification
- Bird
- Bird
- Family
- Falconidae
- Falconidae
- Habitat
- Open woodlands, grasslands, agricultural fields, deserts, and urban areas
- Open country, grasslands, savannas, and scrublands
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Omnivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 3-6 years in the wild
- 12-20 years
- Weight
- 80-165 g
- 0.9-1.6 kg
American Kestrel vs Crested Caracara: who would win?

American Kestrel
80-165 g

Crested Caracara
0.9-1.6 kg
Crested Caracara wins high confidence
Crested Caracara is substantially heavier (0.9-1.6 kg vs 80-165 g). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are birds.
- Both belong to the Falconidae family.
- Both are listed as Least Concern.
Differences
- Habitat: Open woodlands, grasslands, agricultural fields, deserts, and urban areas vs Open country, grasslands, savannas, and scrublands.
- Diet: carnivore vs omnivore.
- Weight: 80-165 g vs 0.9-1.6 kg.
American Kestrel vs Crested Caracara: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a American Kestrel or a Crested Caracara?
Crested Caracara wins. Crested Caracara is substantially heavier (0.9-1.6 kg vs 80-165 g). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a American Kestrel and a Crested Caracara?
American Kestrel and Crested Caracara differ in several ways — habitat: open woodlands, grasslands, agricultural fields, deserts, and urban areas vs open country, grasslands, savannas, and scrublands. diet: carnivore vs omnivore. weight: 80-165 g vs 0.9-1.6 kg.
Do American Kestrel and Crested Caracara live in the same habitat?
No — American Kestrel lives in open woodlands, grasslands, agricultural fields, deserts, and urban areas, while Crested Caracara is found in open country, grasslands, savannas, and scrublands.
What do American Kestrel and Crested Caracara eat?
American Kestrel has a carnivore diet, while Crested Caracara has a omnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the American Kestrel or the Crested Caracara?
American Kestrel is listed as Least Concern, while Crested Caracara is listed as Least Concern.
How big are American Kestrel and Crested Caracara?
American Kestrel weighs around 80-165 g, while Crested Caracara weighs around 0.9-1.6 kg.

Full profile
American Kestrel

Full profile
Crested Caracara



