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Black-legged Seriema

Chunga burmeisteri · Species of bird
Family
Order
Cariamiformes
Codes
bllser1, BLSE

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 or yelping dogs, are often given in duet. Little is known about its breeding ecology. It is known to breed in November and December, building a platform nest of sticks and laying two white eggs, which are sometimes marked with a few brownish or purple spots. The International Union for Conservation of Nature rates the species as one of least concern, due to its large range and apparently stable numbers.

Source: Wikipedia

Taxonomy & Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderCariamiformes
FamilySeriemas (Cariamidae)
SpeciesChunga burmeisteri
Species Codesbllser1, BLSE

Frequently Asked Questions

What family does the Black-legged Seriema belong to?

The Black-legged Seriema (Chunga burmeisteri) belongs to the Seriemas family (Cariamidae), in the order Cariamiformes.

How can I identify 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...

Where can I report a Black-legged Seriema sighting?

You can log sightings of Black-legged Seriema on eBird (ebird.org) using species code bllser1, or on iNaturalist.