Black-legged Seriema
Chunga burmeisteri
The Black-legged Seriema (Chunga burmeisteri) is a rare seriema found in 3 countries, weighing about 1.3 kg. The black-legged seriema is one of two living species of seriemas in the family Cariamidae.
About the Black-legged Seriema
The black-legged seriema is one of two living species of seriemas in the family Cariamidae. It is found from southeastern Bolivia and northern Paraguay south into north-central Argentina. It is a large, mostly grey bird with a long neck, a long tail, and long, slender black legs. Its belly, vent and thighs are yellowish-white. The sexes look similar, as do immature birds, though the latter are more patterned on head, neck and back. First described for science by Gustav Hartlaub in 1860, it is monotypic, with no subspecies. Like its red-legged cousin, it is an omnivore. It seldom flies, instead pursuing prey and eluding danger on foot. Its loud calls, said to sound like kookaburras, turkeys…
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How to identify it
The black-legged seriema is a large bird, measuring some 70–85 cm (28–33 in) in length, and weighing roughly 1.2 kg (2.6 lb). This makes it one of the largest ground-dwelling birds in the Neotropics; only the red-legged seriema and the rheas are larger. It is long-necked and long-tailed, with very long, slender legs and short, rounded wings. Overall, it is ash-grey in colour, though closer examination shows that the "grey" body feathers are actually finely vermiculated with black and white. It has an inconspicuous frontal crest, composed of erect, hairlike bristles. Voice: Its call notes are a series of yelps and barks, said to sound like a turkey, a kookaburra or a small dog. Pairs call in tandem, with the duet said to be loud, slow and evenly-pitched, but somewhat harsh and unmusical.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Black-legged Seriema can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Black-legged Seriema?
- The black-legged seriema is a large bird, measuring some 70–85 cm (28–33 in) in length, and weighing roughly 1.2 kg (2.6 lb). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Black-legged Seriema?
- The Black-legged Seriema is a large sized bird weighing about 1.3 kg.
- Where can you see a Black-legged Seriema?
- The Black-legged Seriema occurs in 3 countries, including Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia.
- What birds look similar to a Black-legged Seriema?
- The Black-legged Seriema is most easily confused with the Red-legged Seriema.
- Is the Black-legged Seriema endangered?
- The Black-legged Seriema is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Black-legged Seriema for real
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