SERIEMAS   -   CARIAMIDAE

Red-legged Seriema Cariama cristata São Roque de Minas, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The Red-legged Seriema is a characteristic bird of savanna areas of eastern South America, and can be common and approachable where they are not hunted. It's far-carrying song (click for short sample) is very distinctive. There are only two species of seriema in the world today. The other, the Black-legged Seriema (Chunga burmeisteri), lives in the chaco region farther south, and is a much shier bird, rarely seen in the open like these birds. The first two photos are of a bird that was foraging in a vacant lot just opposite our hotel at the edge of town. (S5)

Red-legged Seriema Cariama cristata São Roque de Minas, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. (S5)

Red-legged Seriema Cariama cristata Jeremoaba-Canudos road, Bahia state, Brazil. A pair foraging in an overgrown pasture. (D3)