Seriema \Ser`i*e"ma\, n. [Native name.] (Zool.) either of two large South American birds related to the cranes, the {cariama} of Southern Brazil ({Cariama cristata}, formerly {Dicholophus cristata}) or the {Chunga burmeisteri} of Argentina. They have an erectile crest and a short, broad bill. They are often domesticated. [1913 Webster +PJC]