seriema

Flesh-eating bird of the order Gruiformes, found in the grasslands of northern Argentina, eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, and parts of Brazil. There are two species: the red-legged seriema Cariama cristata and the black-legged or Burmeister's seriema Chunga burmeisteri.

The birds are about 0.7m/2.3 ft tall wth long legs and neck. They are poor fliers but excellent runners, reaching speeds of about 60 kph/37 mph. They eat small mammals, reptiles, insects, and other birds. Prey is beaten on the ground until senseless, then swallowed whole.