Filial cannibalism (cannibalistic infanticide) is a common strategy among raptors though rare among other groups of birds. We describe the first case of possible parental infanticide followed by cannibalism by an adult and nestmates of Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata) in a brood of 3 in the Cerrado (savanna-like) ecosystem. A 20 min video recording showed a possible parent killing and eviscerating 1 of its nestlings and subsequently feeding it to the other 2 nestmates. This new record of brood reduction for wild Cariamidae might be a common behavior in both species of the family and may increase food availability and survival of the larger nestlings.
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29 December 2021
Parental infanticide and cannibalism by the Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata)
Anita Studer,
Luis Batista,
Maria Clara B. Gomes,
Miguel Ângelo Marini
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The Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Vol. 133 • No. 2
June 2021
Vol. 133 • No. 2
June 2021
brood reduction
cannibalism
Cariamidae
infanticide
raptors