Cariama cristata

(Linnaeus, 1766)

Vernacular names
English : Cariama cristata
French : Cariama huppé

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Cariamiformes
Family : Cariamidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults reach a size of 90 cm for a weight up to 5 kg. Unmistakable. Long tuft-like crest on forehead. Red leg and bill, blue skin around eyes. Plumage beige grey, brown on wings. Longer feathers on neck.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South America, from central and eastern Brazil to eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and north Argentina. Lives in hilly woodlands, savanna, grassland with trees, up to 2000 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species occurs at low densities and is potentially threatened by destruction of habitat. Its range has increased because of deforestation.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Weltvogelpark Walsrode (Germany), SARL C. Roels (France), Parc des Oiseaux (France)

 

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