RED-legged seriema

Cariama cristata 

 
Height:Up to 35"
Weight:3–5 lbs
Geographic Distribution:South America
Habitat:Grasslands
Diet:Small animals, insects, fruits, seeds, nuts, and grains 
Status in the Wild:Least Concern
Location:Hamill Family Play Zoo

Red-legged seriemas are considered the modern-day relatives of the long-extinct terror birds. Rarely taking flight, seriemas prefer to walk in search of food, or sprint short distances. When hunting, seriemas are known to thrash their prey onto the ground or nearby rocks to stun them. South American pountry farmers often rely on seriemas as guard animals to ward off predators.