Red Legged Seriema
Cariama cristata
Class: Aves Order: Cariamiformes Family: Cariamidae
Size
Height: 2.5-3 ft Weight: 3-6 lbs
Lifespan
20-25 years
Diet
Small reptiles, rodents, and insects
Habitat & Range
Grasslands and meadows near rivers and streams in Brazil, Uruguay, Northern Argentina
Interesting Facts
There are two species of seriema: red-legged and black-legged. Seriemas can fly for short distances, but they prefer walking or running.
There are two species of seriema: red-legged and black-legged. Seriemas can fly for short distances, but they prefer walking or running.
Seriemas are believed to be modern-day relatives of the now extinct terror birds. These carnivorous, prehistoric birds ranged in size from 3-9.8 feet and were found in South America.
Seriemas have a particularly violent method of killing their prey. They often smash small lizards, snakes, or other prey against the ground or a rock. If their prey is too large to swallow whole, they rip into smaller pieces.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
