Cariama cristata (Red-legged Seriema): Seriema of the Pantanal
Introduction
The red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata) is one of the most characteristic species of the Pantanal avifauna. A long-legged terrestrial bird, this species is part of the rich bird diversity of the Pantanal, a biome that hosts more than 650 species and is considered one of the world’s best destinations for birdwatching [1] [2].
Scientific Classification
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cariamiformes |
| Family | Cariamidae |
| Genus | Cariama |
| Species | Cariama cristata |
| Common Name | Red-legged Seriema |
Description
A long-legged terrestrial bird. The plumage is brownish-gray with dark streaks. It has a crest of erect feathers at the base of the bill. The bill and legs are vibrant red. The long tail has white and black bands at the tip. Its length varies between 75-90 cm and its weight between 1.3-1.5 kg.
Geographic Distribution
Central and eastern Brazil, Bolivia, and northern Argentina. In the Pantanal, it is common in dry fields and cerrado, especially during the dry season.
Habitat
Open fields, cerrado, pastures, and forest edges. It prefers areas with low vegetation where it can run easily. It rarely flies, preferring to run to escape predators.
Behavior
Terrestrial and cursorial — it runs quickly instead of flying. It emits a loud, shrill call that can be heard from a great distance, especially at dawn. It lives in pairs or small family groups and kills prey by beating them against the ground.
Feeding
Omnivorous. It consumes insects, spiders, scorpions, small rodents, lizards, snakes (including venomous ones), fruits, and seeds. It is an important predator of snakes in the Cerrado and Pantanal.
Reproduction
The nest is made of twigs in shrubs or low trees. It lays 2-3 white eggs with brown spots. Incubation lasts 25-28 days. The chicks are precocial.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN. Common in the Pantanal and Cerrado.
References
[1] SICK, H. (1997). Ornitologia Brasileira. Nova Fronteira. [2] TUBELIS, D.P.; TOMAS, W.M. (2003). Bird species of the Pantanal wetland, Brazil. Ararajuba, v.11, n.1. [3] DEL HOYO, J. et al. (1992). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Lynx Edicions. [4] IUCN. (2023). Cariama cristata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. [5] COLLAR, N.J. et al. (1992). Threatened Birds of the Americas. ICBP.
