OuiSi Nature card 23: Red-legged Seriema. Photograph by Melissa Groo The whole photograph behind card 23: Red-legged Seriema. Photograph by Melissa Groo

OuiSi Nature · Card 23

Red-⁠legged Seriema

Cariama cristata

Location
Brazil's Pantanal
Date
September 18, 2017
Photograph byMelissa Groo

Description

A large, mostly terrestrial predatory bird, this red-legged seriema exhibits a nice topknot. It is also called the crested seriema, for the feathers on its head. It prefers walking to flying, and can run up to 15 miles per hour before taking flight. It is known to kill and eat venomous coral snakes, picking up its prey and slamming it on the ground.

Melissa Groo

The photographer

Melissa Groo

Wildlife conservation photographer, writer, educator, and wildlife warrior.

Learn more about Melissa Groo

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OuiSi Nature card 23: Red-legged Seriema. Photograph by Melissa Groo The whole photograph behind card 23: Red-legged Seriema. Photograph by Melissa Groo

Red-legged Seriema

Photograph by Melissa Groo