Red-legged Seriema

Identification

The red-legged seriema is a distinctive terrestrial bird standing 75 to 90 centimetres tall and weighing 1.5 to 2.2 kilograms, with notably long legs, neck, and tail. Males are slightly larger than females. The bird's most striking feature is its fan-shaped crest of soft feathers emerging from the base of the bill. Its plumage is greyish-brown, finely barred and vermiculated with dark brown and black, pale brown on the head and neck, and white on the belly. The long, broad outer tail displays a subterminal black band and white tip. Look for its reddish beak, salmon-coloured legs, and distinctive yellow eyes.

Range & Habitat

The red-legged seriema is widely distributed across central and eastern Brazil, Paraguay, eastern and southeastern Bolivia, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina, occurring at elevations up to 2,000 metres. This species strongly prefers grassland habitat and is typically found in lush meadows near rivers, semi-open and fairly dry areas such as thorny scrub, semi-arid woodland regions, savannas, and ranchlands. It is very typical in the Caatinga, Cerrado, and Chaco ecosystems, though it will not readily move into wetlands or crop fields.

Behaviour & Diet

Wary, territorial, and diurnal birds, red-legged seriemas are generally sedentary, though temperature-related migrations have been reported. They are typically seen singly or in pairs, occasionally in family groups of up to four. These birds walk easily on the ground and can run faster than a human, reaching speeds up to 25 km/h before taking flight. They employ an unusual hunting technique, picking up vertebrate prey in their beak and repeatedly throwing it at the ground until stunned or dead.

Red-legged seriemas are omnivorous, feeding mainly on arthropods such as grasshoppers, beetles, ants, and spiders, along with insect larvae, lizards, amphibians, snakes, and small rodents. They occasionally consume corn grains, wild fruits, tree gum, and bird eggs and chicks. Foraging typically occurs alone or in pairs, with birds walking steadily through ground vegetation and low growth, their cryptic plumage often keeping them obscured from view.

Best Time & Places to See It

The red-legged seriema is most vocal at dawn and, to a lesser extent, at dusk, making these the prime times for detecting and observing the species. Its distinctive loud song can be heard several kilometres away. Emas National Park in Brazil is a documented location where these birds can be observed, with multiple individuals and groups singing simultaneously. The birds are sedentary year-round in most of their range, making them potentially viewable throughout the year in suitable grassland habitats across their South American distribution.

Photography Tips

The red-legged seriema's long legs, striking crest, and colourful bill and leg markings make it an appealing photographic subject. Early morning visits to grassland and savanna habitats offer the best opportunities, as birds are most vocal and active at dawn. Position yourself in open grassland areas where you can scan for individuals walking on the ground—their height makes them relatively conspicuous once spotted. Be prepared for their speed; birds can flee at up to 25 km/h before flying, so a telephoto lens is recommended. The distinctive yellow eyes and salmon-coloured legs provide excellent focal points for close-up shots.