Cariamiformes

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Seriema (Cariama cristata) white background

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Male Peregrine Falcon (7172188034) white background

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Cockatiel Parakeet (Nymphicus hollandicus)9 white background

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Cariamiformes is an order of birds that includes the living seriemas and their extinct relatives. This group is native to South America, where the two extant species of seriemas are found in open and semi-open landscapes. Cariamiformes are part of a larger clade, Telluraves, which also includes most of the land birds commonly known today.

Characteristics

Cariamiformes are recognized for their long legs and necks, which give them a crane-like appearance. However, they are not closely related to cranes, but rather to a group that includes raptors, such as eagles and hawks. The living seriemas are medium-sized birds, with the Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata) and the Black-legged Seriema (Chunga burmeisteri) being the only surviving species. They have strong beaks and are known for their ability to run fast, preferring to flee from danger rather than fly. Their diet consists mainly of insects, snakes, and other small animals.

Evolution and History

The fossil record of Cariamiformes suggests a once diverse and widespread group, with fossils found in various parts of the world, including Europe and North America. This indicates that the order was more diverse in the past, with a range extending beyond South America. The decline and extinction of many species within this order are thought to be linked to climatic changes and the arrival of new predators and competitors during the Cenozoic era.

Among the extinct members of Cariamiformes, the Phorusrhacidae, or "terror birds," are the most well-known. These were large, flightless birds that lived from the Paleocene to the Pleistocene epochs, some of which reached heights of up to 3 meters. They were apex predators in their ecosystems, capable of swift running and powerful beak strikes to capture prey.

Classification

The classification of Cariamiformes has been subject to revision as new fossil evidence and genetic studies have provided insights into the relationships among birds. Currently, the order is placed within the clade Telluraves, suggesting a closer relationship to raptors and other land birds than to other long-legged birds like cranes or storks.

Extant Families

• Cariamidae: This family includes the two living species of seriemas.

Extinct Families

• Phorusrhacidae: The family of the "terror birds," known for their large size and predatory lifestyle.
• Other extinct families include various forms that are less well-known but contribute to the diversity and evolutionary history of the group.

Conservation

The conservation status of the extant Cariamiformes varies. Habitat loss and fragmentation are the main threats to these birds, as their natural environments are converted for agriculture and urban development. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting habitats and understanding the ecology of these unique birds to ensure their survival.

See Also

• Bird
• Evolution of birds
• Paleontology
• Raptor