Alternative Text Description for Caracara Observations in Florida

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAP OVERVIEW

This map displays locations where crested caracaras (Polyborus plancus audubonii) were observed throughout Florida. The map shows observation and nest location points for this threatened raptor species, which is found only in Florida as an isolated population within the United States. The distribution pattern reveals where these large, long-lived birds have been documented across the state.

GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT

The map covers the entire state of Florida, from the panhandle region in the northwest to the southern tip of the peninsula. Major cities labeled on the map include Kissimmee, Melbourne, and Palm Bay in central-eastern Florida, and Cape Coral in the southwest. Lake Okeechobee appears as a prominent water body in the south-central portion of the state. The southwestern coastal areas show Port Charlotte and communities near Naples, Bonita Springs, and Immokalee. Communities in the north-central region include Lakeland, while Yeehaw Junction and Palm Bay are visible in the east-central area. The map shows portions of the Gulf of America coastline to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Lehigh Acres appears in the southwest region of the peninsula.

KEY INSIGHTS

Caracara observations are heavily concentrated in south-central and southwestern Florida, with the densest clustering occurring north of Lake Okeechobee and extending westward toward the Gulf of America coast. A notable east-west corridor of observations spans the central peninsula from approximately Yeehaw Junction westward through the interior. The northern half of Florida shows significantly fewer observations, with scattered points in the central region near Kissimmee and Lakeland, and very sparse coverage in the panhandle. The coastal areas, particularly the Atlantic coast and the extreme southern tip of the peninsula, show relatively limited observations. This distribution pattern suggests that caracara habitat is primarily associated with the interior prairie and ranchland regions of the south-central peninsula rather than coastal or northern forested areas.

VISUAL ELEMENTS

Caracara Observations

This layer represents documented locations where crested caracaras have been observed, including both nest sites and general observation points.

Observation Points (orange square symbols with bird icon)

Appearance:

Orange outlined squares containing a simplified bird or raptor icon

Distribution:

Points are distributed across Florida with heaviest concentration in the south-central interior, particularly north and northwest of Lake Okeechobee, and extending westward toward Fort Myers and Cape Coral areas

Notable locations:

Spatial patterns:

Observations form a distinct concentration zone in south-central Florida, suggesting this area represents core caracara habitat. The pattern shows a clear preference for interior locations rather than coastal zones, with observations thinning considerably north of the central peninsula. Multiple overlapping symbols in some areas indicate repeated observations or multiple nests in favorable habitat locations.

SYMBOL GUIDE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The crested caracara is a resident, diurnal, non-migratory raptor species that breeds from September through June, with peak breeding activity occurring from November through April. The Florida population is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and is geographically isolated from other caracara populations in the southwestern United States and Central America. These birds prefer to nest in cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto) that are surrounded by open habitats with low ground cover and sparse tall or shrubby vegetation. The map represents point locations and does not indicate the extent of suitable habitat or population density. Some areas may have limited observations due to survey effort rather than absence of birds.

DATA CONTEXT

Data Source:

This data set consists of occurrence points documenting locations where crested caracaras were observed in Florida, including both nest locations and general observation sites. The methodology for data collection is not specified in the provided information.

Source layer: CARACARA_OBS_DEC16

Definition Query:

No definition query or data filter was applied. The map displays all available caracara observation records in the dataset.

Scale Information:

The map shows a statewide view of Florida at a scale appropriate for visualizing regional distribution patterns. Individual observation points are visible as distinct symbols, though some clustering and overlap occurs in areas of high observation density.

Coordinate System:

NAD_1983_HARN_Florida_GDL_Albers (WKID 3087)

Time Period of Content:

The dataset name indicates observations through December 2016. The specific time span of data collection (earliest to most recent observations) is not provided in the available information.

Limitations:

The map shows documented observation locations only and may not represent the full extent of caracara presence in Florida. Areas with fewer points may reflect limited survey effort rather than actual absence of birds. The data does not distinguish between single observations, repeated sightings at the same location, or active versus historical nest sites. No population counts or density information is conveyed by the map.

Map Coverage:

The map encompasses the entire state of Florida, including the panhandle, peninsula, and surrounding coastal waters. Some observation points near coastal boundaries may represent locations on barrier islands or near-shore areas.

The alternative text description of this map was AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies.