On Nov. 24, 1831, John James Audubon noticed “a great number” of Black vultures (Plate 106) had gathered near the wharf at St. Augustine, Florida, competing for their share of a dead shark. Although scrapping for position around the shark was one bird that was in no way a vulture. Audubon moved slowly towards the feeding frenzy, but not before the odd looking bird detected Audubon approaching and took flight. Audubon raised his shotgun and fired twice at the bird and missed both times. Audubon searched for and located the bird the following day. Audubon worked his way within range of taking one more shot at the bird and missed again. Audubon received a report the next day that the bird that he was after was still in the vicinity. Rather than risk another miss, Audubon turned to his assistant, Henry Ward, to bring down the bird. The specimen that Ward was able to present to Audubon was called the Brazilian Caracara Eagle for Birds of America. The bird is known today as the Crested caracara.
Plate 161 – Brazilian Caracara Eagle
Plate 161 of the first edition of "Birds of America" by John James Audubon.