Red-legged Seriema
Cariama cristataSeriema are South America's nearest relation to birds known in the rest of the world as cranes.
Long legs and neck enable the birds to live in the pampas grasslands, where they can run at up
to 25km/h and can easily outrun humans in their own terrain.
Seriema feed on larger insects, small reptiles and mammals. They tend to jump up into the
trees to roost at a height of not more than 3m. The two eggs they normally lay are incubated by
both parents. While they are usually found singley or in pairs, they have been witnessed in groups
of up to 4, believed to be families.
Striated Caracara
Phalcoboenus australis
Also known as Johnny Rook, it is found predominantly in the Falkland islands,
and small islands off Tierra del Fuego.
Predominantly a scavenger, it is believed that it can see in colour, with a
particular preference for red. While it will dig up small invertebrates the
Striated Caracara tends to feed on carrion; It will attack small injured
and newborn animals, including newborn lambs and weakened
sheep. This led to persecution by local farmers.
Once abundant in numbers there are approximately only 500
pairs left in the Falklands. Now islanders, including the farmers,
are increasingly aware of their decline and are contributing to
efforts to protect them.
and small islands off Tierra del Fuego.
Predominantly a scavenger, it is believed that it can see in colour, with a
particular preference for red. While it will dig up small invertebrates the
Striated Caracara tends to feed on carrion; It will attack small injured
and newborn animals, including newborn lambs and weakened
sheep. This led to persecution by local farmers.
Once abundant in numbers there are approximately only 500
pairs left in the Falklands. Now islanders, including the farmers,
are increasingly aware of their decline and are contributing to
efforts to protect them.
