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Description

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Cariamiformes
Family: Phorusrhacidae
Subfamily: Psilopterinae
Genus: Tsecouriramphus
Species: Tsecouriramphus cuervalto

The Chihuahuan cuervalt is an elusive carnivorous bird found throughout most of the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico. Judging by the superficial resemblance to its close relative, the seriema, it was also the last surviving representative of the psilopterine terror bird lineage. That said, the cuervalt has a smaller niche compared to the “true terror birds” (including Kelenken and Phorusrachos), feeding on smaller prey, such as rodents, lizards, snakes, insects and frogs. It might also scavenge on carcasses of larger animals when the need arises.

The picture above belongs to the courtesy of Trevor Henderson/Slimyswampghost.

Description

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Cariamiformes
Family: Phorusrhacidae
Subfamily: Psilopterinae
Genus: Tsecouriramphus
Species: Tsecouriramphus cuervalto

The Chihuahuan cuervalt is an elusive carnivorous bird found throughout most of the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico. Judging by the superficial resemblance to its close relative, the seriema, it was also the last surviving representative of the psilopterine terror bird lineage. That said, the cuervalt has a smaller niche compared to the “true terror birds” (including Kelenken and Phorusrachos), feeding on smaller prey, such as rodents, lizards, snakes, insects and frogs. It might also scavenge on carcasses of larger animals when the need arises.

The picture above belongs to the courtesy of Trevor Henderson/Slimyswampghost.