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Seriemas
Temporal range: 16–0 Ma Middle Miocene – Holocene
Red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Cariamiformes
Superfamily: Cariamoidea
Bonaparte, 1853
Family: Cariamidae
Bonaparte, 1853
Genera

Cariama
Chunga
†Miocariama

Ranges of red-legged (red) and black-legged (black) seriemas

The seriemas are the sole living members of the small bird family Cariamidae (the entire family is also referred to as "seriemas"), which is also the only surviving lineage of the order Cariamiformes. Once believed to be related to cranes, they have been placed near the falcons, parrots, and passerines, as well as the extinct Phorusrhacidae (terror birds).[1][2] The seriemas are large, long-legged territorial birds that range from 70–90 cm (28–35 in) in length. They live in grasslands, savanna, dry woodland and open forests of Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. There are two species of seriemas, the red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata) and the black-legged seriema (Chunga burmeisteri).[3] Names for these birds in the Tupian languages are variously spelled as siriema, sariama, and çariama, and mean "crested".[4]

Description

[edit]

Both species are around 90 cm (35 in) long (the red-legged seriema is slightly bigger than the black-legged, with 90 and 70–85 cm respectively). The seriemas forage on foot and run from danger rather than fly (though they can fly for short distances, and they roost in trees). They have long legs, necks, and tails, but only short wings, reflecting their way of life. Also, they are among the largest ground-dwelling birds endemic to the Neotropics (only behind rheas).[3]

They are brownish birds with short bills and erectile crests, found in fairly dry open country, the red-legged seriema preferring grasslands and the black-legged seriema preferring scrub and open woodland. Also, they give loud, yelping calls and are often heard before they are seen. Furthermore, they have sharp claws, with an extensible and very curved second toe claw.[3]

Classification

[edit]
Idiornis tuberculata fossil

These birds are thought to be the closest living relatives of a group of gigantic (up to 10 ft or 3.0 m tall) carnivorous "terror birds", the phorusrhacids, which are known from fossils from South and North America.[5][6] Several other related groups, such as the idiornithids and bathornithids were part of Palaeogene faunas in North America and Europe and possibly elsewhere too.[5][6] However, the fossil record of the seriemas themselves is poor, with two prehistoric species, Chunga incerta[7] and Miocariama patagonica (formerly Noriegavis santacrucensis),[8][9] both from the Miocene of Argentina, having been described to date. Some of the fossils from the Eocene fauna of the Messel pit (i.e. Salimia and Idiornis) have also been suggested to be seriemas,[10] as has the massive predatory Paracrax from the Oligocene of North America,[9] though their status remains uncertain.

Extant species

[edit]

There are two living species of seriema.

Image Genus Species Description Distribution
Cariama Brisson, 1760 red-legged seriema, or crested cariama (Cariama cristata) It is bigger and nests on the ground or in bushes or trees up to 3 m (9.8 ft) above the ground. Eastern Brazil, to central Argentina
Chunga Hartlaub, 1860 black-legged seriema (Chunga burmeisteri) It nests in trees. Northwest Argentina and Paraguay

Behaviour and ecology

[edit]

Ecologically, the seriema is the South American counterpart of the African secretary bird. They feed on insects, snakes, lizards, frogs, young birds, and rodents, with small amounts of plant food (including maize and beans). They often associate with grazing livestock, probably to take insects the animals disturb. When seriemas catch small reptiles, they beat the prey on the ground (Redford and Peters 1986) or throw it at a hard surface to break resistance and also the bones. If the prey is too large to swallow whole, it will be ripped into smaller pieces with a sickle claw by holding the prey in the beak and tearing it apart with the claw.[citation needed]

Because of these feeding behaviors, seriemas are important by eating detritivores and helping the soil get more nutrients from dead plant matter.[clarification needed]

In contact with humans, seriemas are suspicious and if they feel threatened, usually spread their wings and face the threat. They walk in pairs or small groups. Although perfectly capable of flying, they prefer to spend most of their time on land. They take flight only when necessary, for example to escape a predator. Overnight they take shelter in the treetops, where they also build their nests.

Breeding

[edit]

The breeding biology of the seriemas is poorly known, and much of what is known comes only from red-legged seriemas. Pairs appear to be territorial and avoid others of their species while breeding, and fights between rivals have been observed. These fights involving kicking rivals, can go on for long periods of time, and involve much calling by the involved birds.[11]

Seriemas build a large bulky stick nest, lined with leaves and dung, which is placed in a tree 1–5 m (3.3–16.4 ft) off the ground. The placement of the nest is so that the adults can reach the nest by foot rather than flying, through hops and the occasional flutter. Both sexes are involved in building the nest. They lay two or three white or buff eggs sparsely spotted with brown and purple. The female does most of the incubation, which lasts from 24 to 30 days. Hatchlings are downy but stay in the nest for about two weeks; after which they leave the nest and follow both parents. They reach full maturity at the age of four to five months. It is unknown when fledgling chicks reach sexual maturity.[11]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Seriema

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from Grokipedia
The seriemas are the two extant species of large, long-legged, terrestrial birds comprising the family Cariamidae, the sole surviving lineage of the order , which are native to open habitats across and known for their crested heads, strong hooked bills, and predominantly ground-dwelling lifestyle. These birds, the (Cariama cristata) and the black-legged seriema (Chunga burmeisteri), measure 70–90 cm in length and weigh around 1–2 kg, featuring greyish plumage, prominent crests, and long necks that give them a distinctive, upright posture reminiscent of ancient relatives like the extinct "terror birds" (). The is characterized by its bright red legs and bill, loose crest, and large eyes with "hairy" eyelashes, while the black-legged seriema is slimmer, ash-grey with black legs, a hooked black bill, and yellowish-white underparts, lacking a prominent crest. Seriemas inhabit dry savannas, thorny scrublands, open woodlands, and grasslands, primarily at low to moderate elevations, with the red-legged species favoring semi-arid regions, hilly grasslands near wooded areas, and ranchlands in central and eastern , eastern , and northeastern , while the black-legged species occupies the Dry Chaco and Monte Desert regions in southeastern , northern , and north-central . They are sedentary but may undertake local movements, and both species are diurnal, fast runners capable of outpacing predators, though they fly infrequently and roost in low trees or bushes. Behaviorally, seriemas are opportunistic omnivores and predators, foraging on the ground for arthropods (such as beetles and locusts), small vertebrates (including , snakes, , and eggs), plant matter (leaves, seeds, grass, and fruits), and occasionally crops like corn; they kill larger prey by shaking or beating it against the ground or branches. They are typically seen singly or in pairs, with loud, barking or laughing vocalizations used in duets for territorial defense and communication, especially at dawn during breeding seasons that vary regionally (e.g., –July in northeastern for the ). Breeding involves tree nests with 2–3 white eggs, and both species face threats from habitat loss and hunting, though they are currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Taxonomy and evolution

Classification

Seriemas are classified in the order and the family Cariamidae, which represents the sole extant family within this order. This taxonomic placement reflects their distinct evolutionary lineage among birds, separate from other ground-dwelling avian groups. Historically, seriemas were included in the diverse order , often positioned near cranes (Gruidae) or rails (Rallidae) based on morphological similarities such as long legs and terrestrial habits. However, molecular phylogenetic analyses, including whole-genome sequencing, have demonstrated that Cariamidae does not belong to the core but instead forms a basal branch of the , which also encompasses falcons, parrots, and passerines; this evidence prompted the recognition of as a distinct order in the early . The family comprises two extant species, each in a monotypic genus. The red-legged seriema bears the binomial name Cariama cristata, while the black-legged seriema is Chunga burmeisteri (previously classified as Cariama burmeisteri). No subspecies are currently recognized for either species.

Phylogenetic relationships

Seriemas, classified in the order , occupy a basal position within the clade of , making them the to the clade comprising falcons (), parrots (Psittaciformes), and passerines (Passeriformes). This placement was first robustly established through , revealing that seriemas diverged early from these aerial and arboreal lineages, reflecting their unique ground-dwelling . Subsequent genomic studies have consistently supported this topology, highlighting as a monophyletic group encompassing over 7,000 species. A landmark study by Hackett et al. in 2008 analyzed approximately 32 kilobases of nuclear DNA from 169 bird species across major lineages, confirming ' inclusion in with high statistical support. This phylogenomic approach resolved long-standing uncertainties in avian relationships, overturning traditional groupings based on morphology alone and positioning seriemas as more closely related to and parrots than to other ground birds like gruiforms. The findings have been corroborated by later works, including whole-genome analyses that reinforce the sister-group relationship to the falcon-parrot-passerine . Morphological evidence provides supplementary support for this affiliation, with shared traits such as certain skeletal features in the and aligning seriemas with parrots, though their feet exhibit distinct adaptations unlike the zygodactyl configuration typical of parrots or the grasping feet of other members. These morphological parallels, while not as definitive as genetic data, underscore convergent evolutionary pressures within . Divergence estimates indicate that split from the remaining around 60-70 million years ago, during the late to early Eocene, shortly after the Cretaceous-Paleogene . This timing aligns with fossil evidence of early cariamiform-like birds and suggests a rapid radiation of landbirds in the post-extinction recovery phase.

Fossil record

The fossil record of seriemas (family Cariamidae) is notably sparse, reflecting the challenges of fossil preservation in the tropical and subtropical environments of where their ancestors likely originated. The earliest known representatives of the broader order , to which seriemas belong, appear in the early Eocene of , approximately 50–55 million years ago (mya). These include two ungual phalanges from that exhibit traits suggestive of early cariamiform predators, such as robust, curved claws indicative of terrestrial hunting, and are estimated to belong to animals around 100 kg in body mass—substantially larger than modern seriemas. These s, classified as potential stem phorusrhacids or close relatives, demonstrate that cariamiforms had achieved a wide Gondwanan distribution by the Eocene and support a South American origin for the lineage, with subsequent diversification on the . Definitive fossils of crown-group Cariamidae emerge in the early , around 16–20 mya, primarily from , . A key discovery is the partial skeleton of Miocariama patagonica from the Santa Cruz Formation (originally described in 2013 as attributable to Noriegavis santacrucensis, but reclassified in 2017 as the type specimen of a new cariamid and , with the prior Noriegavis identified as a falconid), comprising a cranium, tibiotarsi, and other elements that closely resemble those of extant seriemas like Cariama cristata, indicating morphological stasis over millions of years. Additional early material, such as a distal from Chile's Santa Cruz levels, marks the first record of the family outside , suggesting a broader Andean distribution at the time. These Miocene taxa were comparable in size to modern seriemas (70–90 cm in length), differing mainly in subtle osteological details like tarsometatarsal robusticity. Later Miocene and Pliocene records remain limited but include Chunga incerta from the Monte Hermoso Formation in (early/middle , ~3–5 mya), known from a distal tibiotarsus that aligns closely with the living black-legged seriema (Chunga burmeisteri). Quaternary fossils provide evidence of seriema persistence and potential range expansion during the Pleistocene, with isolated remains attributed to Cariama cristata recovered from late Pleistocene deposits in (Sopas Formation, ~20–10 thousand years ago), indicating occupation of open, grassland habitats amid glacial-interglacial cycles. These finds link prehistoric distributions to modern ranges across central and eastern . Significant gaps persist in the seriema record, particularly between the Eocene stem forms and crown-group taxa, as well as in post- intervals, largely due to poor preservation in humid, vegetated lowlands that dominate the continent's paleoenvironments. Despite these limitations, the available consistently points to a South American cradle for Cariamidae, with no confirmed s from outside the continent, reinforcing phylogenetic analyses that position seriemas as a lineage of ancient cariamiform radiation.

Physical description

Morphology

Seriemas are slender, long-legged birds adapted for a primarily terrestrial , with overall lengths ranging from 70 to 90 cm and heights of approximately 60 to 90 cm. The (Cariama cristata) is the larger species, standing about 90 cm tall and weighing 1.5–2.2 kg, while the black-legged seriema (Chunga burmeisteri) measures 70–85 cm in length and weighs around 1.2 kg. Their robust build supports rapid running speeds up to 70 km/h, with a posture resembling that of rheas or waders due to the elongated hindlimbs and upright stance. Key anatomical features include short wings that are vestigial for sustained flight but enable brief bursts for escape or perching, a long for scanning the ground, and an elongated that aids in balance during agile movements. The legs are powerful and elongated, comprising a significant portion of body length, with strong tarsometatarsi suited for locomotion. The feet exhibit an anisodactyl , featuring three forward-facing toes (digits II–IV) that bear the primary weight, and a reduced, elevated hallux (digit I) that does not contact the ground; digit II bears a prominent, recurved -shaped that remains sharp for prey manipulation, while on digits III and IV are more dulled from terrestrial use. Slight occurs between digits III and IV, but not between II and III, allowing independent action of the . The head features a short, curved, hooked bill resembling that of a or small raptor, adapted for tearing and grasping prey. Both species possess an erectile crest of bristly feathers atop the head, most prominent in the where it can reach up to 10 cm in length and consists of loose, tufted plumes at the bill base. Large eyes surrounded by hairy eyelashes enhance for hunting. Sexual dimorphism is minimal across seriemas, with no significant differences in overall structure or pattern; however, males of the are slightly larger and possess longer crest feathers than females.

Plumage and coloration

Seriemas exhibit characterized by loose, shaggy feathers, particularly on the neck and underparts, which contribute to their overall soft appearance. The (Cariama cristata) displays predominantly ashy brown , with the dorsal region softly marbled in darker vermiculated patterns; the ventral is whitish ochraceous, while the face and throat are whitish. Its primaries are blackish with white tips, secondaries grayish with white tips, and tail feathers grayish brown with black bands and white tips, creating a mottled effect that aids in blending with environments. The features a long, shaggy blackish crest on the forehead, red bill, and salmon-red legs. In contrast, the black-legged seriema (Chunga burmeisteri), also known as the lesser seriema, has darker ash-gray finely vermiculated with black and white, appearing shaggier overall with a prominent but inconspicuous crest of long feathers. Its primaries are blackish with white tips, the belly, vent, and thighs are yellowish-white, and it possesses a black bill and black legs. Juvenile seriemas differ from adults in having browner tones with more pronounced darker vermiculated patterns and an incipient tuft; in the , dark brown bars mark the crown, neck, and mantle, with grayer legs and bill. are covered in pale brown down mottled with darker brown on the back, featuring remarkably long, hair-like feathers on the head that provide initial through striped, disruptive patterns. These juveniles molt progressively, achieving adult by approximately 6 months of age. Seriemas show no major seasonal variations in plumage, though the crest may appear more pronounced in breeding adults due to enhanced feather erection during courtship. The mottled, vermiculated patterns in seriema serve a key role in , allowing these terrestrial birds to blend effectively with the dry grasslands and scrub habitats they inhabit, reducing visibility to prey and predators alike.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

The red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata) occupies a broad geographic range across , primarily in central and eastern , extending southward and westward through eastern , , northern , and . This distribution spans diverse open landscapes, with the species showing adaptability to varied regional conditions within these countries. In contrast, the crested seriema (Chunga burmeisteri), also known as the black-legged seriema, has a more limited and restricted range, centered in the region of southeastern , western , and central to northern . Its occurrence does not extend significantly into or . The ranges of the two seriema species exhibit minimal overlap, with sympatry limited to small areas in the Paraguayan Chaco and adjacent southern Bolivia and northern Argentina, where environmental transitions allow co-occurrence without extensive competition.

Habitat preferences

Seriemas, comprising the red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata) and the black-legged seriema (Chunga burmeisteri), primarily inhabit open ecosystems across South America, favoring environments that allow for their terrestrial lifestyle. Both species select habitats characterized by dry savannas, open grasslands, and scrublands, where sparse vegetation provides ample ground cover for foraging and movement while avoiding dense forests that restrict visibility and mobility. The shows a strong preference for dry s and thorny scrub, often occurring in hilly grasslands with scattered woodlands, and it avoids closed-canopy forests. In contrast, the black-legged seriema is more associated with subtropical/tropical dry forests and dry shrublands, particularly in arid regions with thorny leguminous bushes and cacti, though it also utilizes adjacent open areas. These choices reflect allotopic segregation, with the favoring and peripheries, while the black-legged seriema occupies drier, more wooded zones. Altitudinally, seriemas are adaptable to a range of elevations, but the extends up to approximately 2,100 m in the Andean foothills of and , where it inhabits open grassy areas at these heights. The black-legged seriema, however, is typically found at lower elevations, from near to about 800 m, in lowland dry forests and shrublands. Microhabitat selection often includes proximity to water sources, such as riverine meadows or edges for the , providing hydration without venturing into flooded areas, alongside thorny bushes that offer cover from predators. Adaptations to these habitats include tolerance to dry seasons, thriving in hot, arid conditions characteristic of their preferred savannas and scrublands, which enables year-round residency without migration.

Behavior and ecology

Locomotion and daily activities

Seriemas are primarily terrestrial birds that rely on bipedal locomotion, with running as their dominant mode of movement. They can achieve running speeds of 25–40 km/h, and bursts up to 70 km/h when evading threats, facilitated by their long, strong legs adapted for rapid ground travel. Flight is limited and rarely used, typically restricted to short bursts for escaping predators or reaching elevated perches, as their short wings and heavy build prioritize terrestrial efficiency over aerial capability. These birds exhibit a diurnal activity pattern, spending most of the day and moving on the ground while becoming active around dawn and remaining so until . At night, they in low trees or dense bushes to avoid ground predators, often perching side by side in pairs. Socially, seriemas are typically observed as solitary individuals or stable monogamous pairs, though loose groups of 3–5 may form temporarily, usually consisting of parents with subadult offspring. Larger aggregations are uncommon outside of family units. Seriemas maintain territorial boundaries through regular patrolling of their home ranges, which for pairs or groups average 20–24 ha (0.2–0.24 km²) in open habitats, with individuals defending these areas against intruders to secure resources and nesting sites.

Diet and foraging

Seriemas exhibit an omnivorous diet dominated by animal matter, including arthropods such as and occasionally small vertebrates like , snakes, small mammals, birds, and eggs, with supplementary plant material consisting of , fruits, and grains. This composition reflects their role as opportunistic ground predators in open habitats, where prey availability influences consumption patterns. Foraging occurs primarily on the ground, with individuals or pairs walking slowly while scanning for prey, probing the or leaf litter with their bill to uncover hidden items, and pursuing visible targets on foot using their strong legs. Upon capturing prey, seriemas grasp it with the bill, kill it through vigorous shaking and beating against the substrate to break bones or stun it, and then tear it into manageable pieces before swallowing. They occasionally engage in opportunistic scavenging of carrion or discarded food in human-altered environments. Dietary preferences show seasonal variation, with a greater reliance on and arthropods during the when such prey is abundant, shifting toward seeds, fruits, and possibly more matter in the as insect populations decline. The two species differ in emphasis: the (Cariama cristata) focuses more on arthropods and as primary food sources, while the Black-legged Seriema (Chunga burmeisteri) incorporates a higher proportion of small , particularly snakes and , alongside large and seeds.

Vocalizations and communication

Seriemas employ a diverse repertoire of vocalizations for social interaction, territorial maintenance, and alerting conspecifics to potential threats. The (Cariama cristata) produces loud, yelping or barking calls that form long, intense sequences of tonal notes, often transcribed as a repeating "ca-ca-ca" or cackling pattern building to a climax with upsweep, ladder, and two-part notes. These primary calls are structurally complex and audible over several kilometers, allowing effective long-distance signaling across open habitats. In contrast, the black-legged seriema (Chunga burmeisteri) emits deeper, hooting vocalizations described as a descending series of "cou, cou, cou-cou-cou" notes with a slightly tinny quality, resembling yelps of dogs or calls of kookaburras; these are similarly loud and carry far, up to approximately 3 km in suitable conditions. These vocalizations serve multiple functions in communication, including territory defense, pair bonding, and alarm signaling. In the , full vocalizations—series of strophes such as "glô, glô, gli, gli, i, i"—are delivered from elevated perches year-round to assert territorial boundaries, while shorter "glô" calls aid in maintaining contact among group members during vigilance or when out of sight. Agonistic calls like "grréééh" are directed at intruders, both intra- and interspecific, often accompanying physical posturing. For the black-legged seriema, the hooting calls contribute to morning choruses in wooded areas, reinforcing territorial claims and social cohesion within pairs or small groups. Alarm functions are evident in both species, with calls elicited in response to predators, though empirical tests show variable responses in captive red-legged seriemas. Duetting is a prominent feature of seriema communication, particularly in the , where pairs synchronize full vocalizations in coordinated sequences, often in the early morning; this temporal matching strengthens pair bonds and may amplify territorial signals. Up to 70% of call bouts involve such antiphonal exchanges between mates or group members. The black-legged seriema also engages in duets, with pairs producing synchronized yelping or hooting calls to enhance mutual recognition and defense. Complementing vocal signals, seriemas use non-vocal displays for threat and agonistic interactions. In the , individuals raise their frontal crest—a tuft of stiffened feathers—while bristling feathers, opening wings, and performing short runs or attacks with and talons toward rivals or intruders, signaling intimidation without immediate contact. Similar displays occur in the black-legged seriema, though less documented, involving posturing to deter threats in their arid habitats. These visual cues, often paired with vocalizations, facilitate close-range communication within social groups.

Reproduction and life cycle

Breeding behavior

Seriemas are monogamous birds that typically form strong, long-term pair bonds, often lasting for life, with pairs maintaining close proximity year-round through shared activities like resting and feeding. These bonds are reinforced by coordinated vocal duets and territorial displays, which help sustain the partnership. Courtship rituals primarily involve the male performing visual displays to attract and impress the female, including a strutting walk with wings twisted to expose , the nuchal crest raised to one side, and the bill pointed downward. The female may respond with similar postures, and both sexes engage in synchronized barking song duets, often in the early morning, which serve to strengthen pair cohesion and advertise their bond. Breeding seasonality aligns with environmental conditions, particularly the onset of rainy periods that enhance food availability. For the (Cariama cristata), this varies regionally: February to July in northeastern , September to January in central , and November–December in . The black-legged seriema (Chunga burmeisteri) breeds mainly from November to December in its southern range in and , corresponding to the local spring and summer. Mate selection emphasizes compatibility, with pairs assessed for harmony during initial introductions; factors such as effective defense through vocalizations and displays likely influence female choice, as males with superior vocal prowess and quality territories are better positioned to form stable bonds.

Nesting and

Seriemas construct simple platform nests composed of sticks and twigs, often lined with leaves, mud, or dung, typically placed in low branches of trees or shrubs 1–5 m above the ground, though occasionally higher up to 9 m. These nests measure approximately 20–30 cm in diameter and are built by both members of the monogamous pair. The clutch usually consists of two eggs, though occasionally three, which are white or buff with sparse brown or purplish spots. The eggs measure about 56–62 mm in length and 45–46 mm in width, weighing around 75 g. Incubation begins after the full is laid and lasts 24–30 days, with both parents sharing the duties, often alternating shifts. The chicks are precocial, hatching covered in down and capable of running shortly after emerging; their eyes open at birth. They typically remain in the nest for 10–14 days, after which they leave to follow the parents, though some may stay up to 3–4 weeks before fledging. Both parents provide biparental care, regurgitating or bringing small prey such as , reptiles, and to feed the young. Fledglings continue to receive parental provisioning for several months, becoming fully independent at 4–5 months of age, though care may extend up to 7–8 months in some cases. Seriemas reach and breed for the first time at 1–2 years old.

Conservation status

The population sizes of both seriema species, the (Cariama cristata) and the black-legged seriema (Chunga burmeisteri), have not been precisely quantified. The population is considered stable overall, whereas the black-legged seriema shows signs of decline in some areas due to , though global trends remain relatively steady. In optimal habitats such as dry savannas and open woodlands, seriema densities typically range from 1 to 5 pairs per km², based on home range observations; for example, red-legged seriema groups maintain territories averaging 24 ha, equating to roughly 4 pairs per km² in suitable conditions. Black-legged seriema densities are lower, averaging 0.38 individuals per km² (or about 0.19 pairs per km²) in the Paraguayan Chaco. Monitoring efforts primarily rely on IUCN Red List assessments, which classify both species as Least Concern as of 2024, though local declines have been reported for the black-legged seriema due to its smaller range. Demographic factors contribute to their resilience, including a low reproductive rate of 1–2 fledglings per year per pair—stemming from clutch sizes of 2–3 eggs but high nestling mortality and occasional parental infanticide—and high adult survival rates, with generation lengths of approximately 15.7 years and lifespans exceeding 25 years in some cases.

Threats and conservation measures

Seriemas face several anthropogenic threats, primarily driven by and cattle ranching, which degrade the open woodlands, grasslands, and savannas they inhabit. These activities convert native habitats into fields and pastures, reducing available foraging and nesting areas, particularly in regions like the Brazilian and Argentine Chaco. Hunting for and the pet trade further pressures populations, with red-legged seriemas occasionally targeted for food in rural areas and both species collected for their distinctive calls or as guard animals against snakes. exposure poses an additional risk, as agricultural chemicals can contaminate prey items like and small vertebrates, leading to sublethal effects or poisoning in seriemas. The black-legged seriema (Chunga burmeisteri) experiences greater vulnerability due to its more restricted range, confined to drier woodlands in southeastern , , and northern , compared to the broader distribution of the (Cariama cristata). In this smaller area, habitat clearance for soy and production has led to local disappearances, as documented in Argentine studies where the species vanished from agricultural zones. Roadkill exacerbates mortality, especially for the in expanding road networks across , where it ranks among the most frequently hit birds, with one study recording nine individuals over a monitoring period. Conservation efforts include the designation of protected areas such as the Matogrossense National Park in , which safeguards seriema habitats within the world's largest tropical wetland and supports population stability through anti-poaching measures. Research programs in and focus on ecology, threats assessment, and behavioral studies to inform management, with initiatives like those from the Peregrine Fund emphasizing habitat monitoring and anti-hunting campaigns. Although neither species is listed under Appendix II, local regulations in curb illegal pet trade, and community education programs promote sustainable farming to reduce pesticide use and habitat conversion. Looking ahead, successful restoration in fragmented areas could mitigate declines and potentially improve local conservation statuses, though ongoing agricultural pressures necessitate expanded protected corridors and farmer outreach to foster coexistence.

References

  1. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/cariam1/cur/introduction
  2. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.cariam1.01
  3. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/relser1/cur/introduction
  4. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.relser1.02
  5. https://animalia.bio/black-legged-seriema
  6. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/bllser1/cur/introduction
  7. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/relser1/cur/behavior
  8. https://doi.org/10.3356/JRR-21-23
  9. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22692208/93341490
  10. https://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCprop290.htm
  11. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4405904/
  12. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/relser1/2.0/systematics
  13. https://palaeo-electronica.org/content/2024/5162-eocene-cariamiformes-from-antarctica
  14. https://www.app.pan.pl/article/item/app000112013.html
  15. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266795989_First_record_of_a_fossil_Seriema_Cariamiformes_Cariamidae_from_Chile
  16. https://bioone.org/journals/acta-palaeontologica-polonica/volume-60/issue-3/app.00011.2013/A-Well-Preserved-Partial-Skeleton-of-the-Poorly-Known-Early/10.4202/app.00011.2013.full
  17. https://biodb.com/species/red-legged-seriema/
  18. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.bllser1.01
  19. https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2332/red_legged_seriema_care_manual_2013.pdf
  20. https://www.aza.org/assets/2332/red_legged_seriema_care_manual_2013.pdf
  21. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/relser1/cur/appearance
  22. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/relser1/cur/breeding
  23. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/red-legged-seriema-cariama-cristata
  24. https://ebird.org/species/relser1
  25. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-legged-seriema-chunga-burmeisteri
  26. https://biodb.com/species/black-legged-seriema/
  27. https://ri.conicet.gov.ar/bitstream/handle/11336/80002/CONICET_Digital_Nro.678d8927-776a-4a54-a78c-9e7420b2cae2_A.pdf?sequence=2
  28. https://blog.hmns.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Brooks_Seriema.pdf
  29. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/relser1/cur/habitat
  30. https://www.oiseaux-birds.com/card-red-legged-seriema.html
  31. https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/seriema/red-legged-seriema
  32. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325127736_Territoriality_and_home_range_of_the_red-legged_seriema_cariama_cristata_vieira_souza_and_castro_2018
  33. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6617044/
  34. https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1670&context=utk_gradthes
  35. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/bllser1/cur/sounds
  36. https://app.birdweather.com/species/black-legged-seriema
  37. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/relser1/cur/sounds
  38. https://www.naturepl.com/stock-photo-red-legged-seriema-cariama-cristata-calling-and-raising-its-crest-in-nature-image01750519.html
  39. http://alouattasen.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/5/6/8956452/seriemaredleggedstudbook2012-8adea159.pdf
  40. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03544250
  41. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/relser1/cur/demography
  42. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357408621_Parental_infanticide_and_cannibalism_by_the_Red-legged_Seriema_Cariama_cristata
  43. https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-raptor-research/volume-56/issue-1/JRR-21-23/Seriemas-A-Literature-Assessment-and-Recommendations-for-Future-Research/10.3356/JRR-21-23.full
  44. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/relser1/cur/conservation
  45. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308889515_Behavioral_repertoire_of_the_poorly_known_Red-legged_Seriema_Cariama_cristata_Cariamiformes_Cariamidae
  46. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/999/
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