- Cariama cristata
Description
Primitive and ungainly, the Red-legged Seriema bears a certain resemblance to the similarly long-legged, long-tailed secretary bird, with which it shares a propensity for open, savannalike habitats. This South American bird, however, is much shier than the African secretary bird, more terrestrial in its habits, and not closely related. Instead, it occupies a taxonomic position somewhere near the rails. It hunts small lizards, insects, and other prey, which it strikes with its feet.
Identification
Photographed: Lages-SC, Brazil.
