Tropical falcon version of a vulture. Fairly numerous in south Texas up through the hill country. Scarce in southern Arizona and seriously declining in Florida with loss of grasslands. The species is a common resident of Cuba, central America south to Peru and northern Brazil.

This is a bird of open and semi-open country, where it often is seen at carrion with vultures.

Black crest with white neck and a red or yellow face. Large bill. Juvenile are browner and streaked below. Limited bare facial skin.

Flight is direct, strong, close to the ground and will often walk.

This species both scavenges and hunts live prey.

After leaving the state park, I drive south on SR 359 to Alice where I find a ff-mart inside the d-mart. I purchase a senior coffee and then do some grocery shopping.

Still early in the morning, I head south on US 281 out of Alice, Texas for about ten miles where I take SR 141 east along which I stop to photograph several large birds. All of the birds are species that I have photographed before, except one, a cattle egret.

I return to find the birding center, called Salineno Wildlife preserve located 100 yards from the Rio Grande River.