About Seriemas

Overview

Cariamiformes include the seriemas (Cariamidae), two long-legged, terrestrial predators of South American grasslands, and are the only living relatives of the extinct terror birds (Phorusrhacidae). Seriemas are fast runners that hunt reptiles, insects and small vertebrates and are capable of limited flight. They are distinctive, crested members of the South American avifauna.

Classification

The order Seriemas (Latin: CARIAMIFORMES) comprises 1 families and roughly 2 living species. It is one of 44 orders that make up the class Aves.

Diversity & Distribution

Cariamiformes include the seriemas (Cariamidae), two long-legged, terrestrial predators of South American grasslands, and are the only living relatives of the extinct terror birds (Phorusrhacidae).

Notable Families

Seriemas and others.