Cariama cristata
The Red-legged Seriema, *Cariama cristata*, is a striking, long-legged terrestrial bird endemic to central and eastern South America. Standing impressively at 70 to 90 cm (28-35 inches) tall with a wingspan of 120-135 cm (47-53 inches) and weighing 1.2 to 1.5 kg (2.6-3.3 lbs), its slender body is adorned with gray-brown plumage, a paler belly, and fine black streaking on the neck. Distinctive field marks include a prominent, erectile crest of filamentous feathers on its crown, piercing pale b...
Found in dry grasslands, open savannas, cerrado, and caatinga shrublands, as well as sparse woodlands and agricultural areas. They typically inhabit low to mid-elevations across their range, avoiding dense forests.
Omnivorous predators, their diet primarily consists of large insects, snakes, lizards, small rodents, nestling birds, and frogs, supplemented by seeds, berries, and cultivated grains. They primarily forage by walking and running, actively pursuing and capturing prey on the ground.
Red-legged Seriemas are predominantly diurnal, spending most daylight hours foraging on the ground with a characteristic upright, walking gait. At night, they seek safety by roosting in trees or tall bushes, often climbing rather than flying to their perch. Their foraging technique involves activ...
The Red-legged Seriema boasts a wide distribution across central-eastern South America, predominantly inhabiting Brazil, but extending into eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina. In Brazil, its range spans from the northeastern states of Ceará and Pernambuco south through the...
Least Concern
- The Red-legged Seriema is one of only two living species in the ancient avian order Cariamiformes, which includes the extinct "terror birds" (Phorusrhacidae). - They prefer to run rather than fly, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph). - Their powerful legs and sharp claws are used ...