Cariamidae

views updated May 14 2018

Cariamidae (seriemas; class Aves, order Gruiformes) A family of long-necked, long-legged, greyish-brown birds that have rounded wings, long tails, and a crest. They have small and semipalmate feet, and are rapid runners but poor fliers. They inhabit grassland and forests, feeding on insects, reptiles, small mammals, and vegetable matter, and nest in trees and bushes. There are two monotypic genera, Cariama and Chunga, found in Central and S. America.

seriemas

views updated Jun 27 2018

seriemas See CARIAMIDAE.

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