Cariamidae - Seriemas

There are two species in this family of birds, the red-legged seriema and the black-legged seriema. They are found in grasslands in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil.

They are a little over two feet tall and have a long neck, long legs, a long, squared tail, and a small, curved bill. They also have a unique crest at the base of their bill, and they have eyelashes! They are gray and brown on their uppersides and white on their bellies.

Seriemas aren’t good fliers, but they are great runners and can run as fast as 35 mph. They have an unusual call that can be heard for miles and sounds like a yelping puppy.

They eat insects, birds, small mammals, and reptiles. They eat small prey whole. They hold larger prey with their claws and rip it apart. They may also beat their prey on the ground or throw it onto a rock!

Did You Know?

Seriemas are found in grasslands in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil.
Seriemas are found in grasslands in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil.

World Status Key

Status and range is taken from IUCN Redlist

Least Concern
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Extinct
Not Enough Data

U.S. Status Key

Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife

Threatened in US
Endangered in US
Introduced

NH Status Key

Status taken from NH Fish and Game

Threatened in NH
Endangered in NH
Breeds in NH (birds)

Location Key

Africa
Asia
Australia/Oceania
Europe
North/Central America
south america alt
South America

New Hampshire Species

No animals found.

Other Species Around the World

No animals found.

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