Other Free Encyclopedias :: Animal Life Resource :: Birds Scientific Reference - Vol 2

Seriemas: Cariamidae - Diet, Behavior And Reproduction, Seriemas And People, Red-legged Seriema (cariama Cristata): Species Account - PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS, GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, CONSERVATION STATUS

RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata): SPECIES ACCOUNT

Seriemas range in size from about 28 to 35 inches (70 to 90 centimeters) in length and 2.6 to 3.3 pounds (1.2 to 1.5 kilograms) in weight. They have long legs, long tails, long necks, and short, rounded wings. Seriemas have sturdy, hooked bills that resemble those of hawks. Their backs and necks are light brown in color, whereas the belly is pale or white. Male and female seriemas are similar in size and general appearance.

GEOGRAPHIC RANGE

Seriemas are found in central and eastern South America, from portions of Brazil to as far south as Argentina.

HABITAT

Seriemas are found in grassland habitats as well as areas of open forest or brushland.

CONSERVATION STATUS

The two species of seriemas are not currently considered threatened. However, their populations are declining in some areas due to hunting and habitat destruction.