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.
Region
Gran Chaco, south-central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Bolivia and northern Paraguay south into north-central Argentina, centered on the dry Chaco. It favors open to semi-open habitats including thorn scrub, dry savanna, open woodland, and lightly grazed pastures. It also uses forest edges and gallery woodland but generally avoids dense, humid forest. The species roosts in trees and will move on foot between cover patches, seldom flying except to reach perches.
Altitude Range
100–1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
One of only two living seriemas, it relies on speed and long legs rather than flight to escape danger and chase prey. Pairs often perform loud, far-carrying duets that can sound like yapping dogs. It will batter larger prey such as lizards or snakes against the ground before swallowing. The species is monotypic and breeds in the austral spring, typically laying two eggs in a stick platform nest.
Temperament
wary, mostly terrestrial, and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
primarily runs; short rapid wingbeats to reach perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Pairs maintain territories and perform frequent vocal duets, especially at dawn. The nest is a platform of sticks placed in a tree or shrub, and the typical clutch is two eggs; both adults share incubation and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, yelping series of notes that crescendos and carries over long distances, often given antiphonally by a pair. Calls can resemble kookaburras or yapping dogs, with excited cackles and yodel-like phrases.
