Kariamovye [1] ( lat. Cariamidae ) - a small ancient family of birds that live in South America . The systematics of the family is not completely clear, however, studies of fossil remains indicate their kinship with fororakos (Phorusrhacidae) - ancient giant (up to 3 m high) flightless predators of the Pleistocene period, which finally died out about 2 million years ago.
| Kariam |
Crested Kariama |
| Scientific classification |
|---|
| No rank : | Bilateral symmetrical |
| Squad: | Kariamoobraznye ( Cariamiformes ) |
|
| International scientific name |
|---|
Cariamidae Bonaparte , 1853 |
| Kinds |
|---|
- Crested Cariama ( Cariama cristata )
- Black-footed Cariama ( Chunga burmeisteri )
|
| Area |
|---|
 Crested Kariama Range Blackfoot Karyama Range |
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The family includes two species from two monotypic genera [2] . Previously, the family was included in the order of the crane - like [1] , but in recent years they have been singled out as a separate order of the kariam-like [3] (Cariamiformes) [2] .
Terrestrial running birds 70–92 cm long. The body is elongated, with a long neck and a small head. Holes in the occipital bone of the skull are absent. Long feathers are visible on the neck. On the back of the head and the frontal part of the head there is a crest of thin protruding feathers. The beak is short, wide, in the upper part it is noticeably wider, slightly bent down. The wings are short, rounded. The tail is long, the tail tail feathers are shorter than the middle. The legs are also long, the toes are short; on the second toe there is a long claw that the bird is able to lift. The plumage of both species is friable, brown with dark gray stripes, lighter in the lower part. Sexual dimorphism is not expressed, that is, males and females look the same.
The range is limited to South America: Brazil , Argentina , Bolivia , Paraguay and Uruguay . The species of black-footed karyama ( Chunga burmeisteri ) occupies the southern part of the range, found in the north-west of Argentina, Paraguay and southeast Bolivia. The species Crested Cariama ( Cariama cristata ) is more common, found in central and eastern Brazil, southeastern Bolivia, Uruguay and northeastern Argentina.
Both species live in open spaces in the steppes of Patagonia , in open woods. Found in shrubbery.
Active in the daytime. Despite being able to fly, small flights are extremely rare and reluctant, preferring to run on the ground; while capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 km / h. Spend the night on branches of trees or bushes. They shout loudly while making barking sounds. For a more effective scream, they can climb onto some elevation or tree branch. Omnivorous predators hunt for insects , snakes , lizards , frogs , small birds and small rodents . In addition to animal food, they feed on green leaves, seeds and fruits of plants . Hunt alone or in pairs.
The breeding season lasts from September to May. Couples live separately from other birds. The nest is built on a tree at a height of 1–9 m from the ground; twigs fastened with clay or animal dung are used as material. The female usually lays 2 (rarely 3) white eggs with brown specks. Both parents are involved in incubation, but mainly the female. The incubation period lasts 24-30 days. The emerging chicks are covered with brown fluff and are able to leave the nest after about 2 weeks. Both female and male take care of the chicks.
