The Red legged or Crested Seriema averages about 90 cm in height, has a long muscular body, a long neck, a long tail and short, rounded wings. The bill is short, broad and down curved. The forehead has a bushy crest of bristly feathers that extend over the base of the bill. The legs, coloured red, are long with the tibia partly bare; the toes are short and connected by a partial web at the base. They have a soft loose-webbed plumage that is light grey-brown with fine, darker lines throughout and broad black and pale bands on the wings and tails. Although not related, they do resemble the African Secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius). They both include snakes in their diet.And like them have eye lashes which is rare in birds.. Which I find endearing.. The Crested Seriema is quite sedentary and almost entirely terrestrial although they roost and nest in bushes or low trees. They run rapidly to escape from enemies, flying only when hard pressed for a short distance. Thanks to all of you who gave me your good wishes, and my Mother has made an excellent recovery from her hip replacement surgery.. I was touched by your thoughtfulness..