Red-legged Seriema

Red-legged Seriema key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

Little data

Size

75-90 cm

Diet

Omnivorous but mainly carnivorous: mice, chicks and insects, with a little plant matter

Housing

A large running ground bird, it needs a big grassy enclosure, and since it nests in low bushes, provide low platforms or shrubs.

Temperament

Very wary and territorial in the wild, though said to become tame in captivity; it fights conspecifics other than its mate.

Vocalization

Pairs duet very loudly, mainly at dawn, making it hard to keep in residential areas.

Feeding

It eats insects, frogs, snakes and rodents; feed whole mice, chicks and insects with a little plant food.

Notes

It beats prey against the ground and can attack with bill and claws, so handle with care; it suits experienced keepers of large birds.

About Red-legged Seriema

The Red-legged Seriema is a striking ground-dwelling bird from South American grasslands, known for its long legs and fan-shaped crest. Learn about its traits, temperament, and what to know before keeping one—a species suited to experienced keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Red-legged Seriema

1. 1Suited to Experienced Keepers

   The Red-legged Seriema is considered a bird for experienced keepers. Its large size and strong wild instincts call for solid knowledge and experience before bringing one home. It's not an easy choice for a first-time bird keeper.

2. 2Needs Plenty of Space

   As an adult, this bird reaches a total length of 75–90 cm, making it a large species. It needs a sufficiently spacious area where it can walk freely on its long legs. A cramped environment would restrict its natural behavior.

3. 3Loud Calls at Dawn

   Red-legged Seriemas are known to call loudly to each other at dawn. Depending on your living environment, you may need to consider how the sound affects neighbors. It's worth planning for this before bringing one home.

4. 4Strong Hunting Instinct

   This bird has a strong hunting instinct, killing captured prey by repeatedly slamming it against the ground. Caution is needed when housing it alongside other small animals. Its environment should be designed with this natural behavior in mind.

5. 5Distinctive Crest and Red Beak

   A fan-shaped crest rising from the base of the bill is one of its most distinctive features. Its red beak and salmon-colored legs add to its striking appearance, making looks a major part of its appeal. The combination of a long neck and long legs gives it a presence unlike any other bird.

6. 6Prefers Walking to Flying

   Red-legged Seriemas are ground-dwelling birds that prefer walking over flying. In the wild, they stride confidently across grasslands on their long legs. Keep this in mind when setting up a space that allows for plenty of walking room.

7. 7Limited Lifespan Data

   There is limited data available on the Red-legged Seriema's lifespan in captivity. When planning for long-term care, it's important to keep in mind that reliable information is scarce. Consulting directly with a breeder can be a helpful way to learn more.

Frequently asked questions about Red-legged Seriema

Q.Can beginners keep a Red-legged Seriema?

A.The Red-legged Seriema is considered a bird for experienced keepers. Because of its large size, strong hunting instincts, and distinctive calls, it's best suited to those who already have experience keeping birds.

Q.How big does a Red-legged Seriema get?

A.As an adult, it grows to a total length of about 75–90 cm. Since it's a large bird with long legs and a long neck, providing enough space is essential.

Q.How loud are its dawn calls?

A.Red-legged Seriemas are known to call loudly to each other at dawn. While no specific volume figures are available, it's a good idea to consider the surrounding environment when planning where to keep one.

Q.Can it be kept together with other pets?

A.Because it has a strong hunting instinct and kills prey by slamming it against the ground, caution is needed when keeping it alongside smaller animals. How well this works depends on the individual bird and the environment, so careful consideration is important.

Q.Is the Red-legged Seriema regulated under CITES?

A.The Red-legged Seriema is not subject to CITES. When considering bringing one home, it's a good idea to first understand its housing needs and natural behavior.

Useful tools for Red-legged Seriema care

Learn more about Red-legged Seriema in the encyclopedia

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