It probably had a lifestyle similar to that of the secretary bird of Africa. Bird species recorded are more than 500, which include ostrich and secretary bird. Ecologically, the seriema is the South American counterpart of the African secretary bird. Animals depicted include badgers, sharks, an argonaut, a secretary bird, and a porcupine fish. When alive, it may have resembled a cross between the secretary bird and crested caracara. The distinctive head feathers of the secretary bird crown a strong and vigilant head. The secretary bird stands with its wings uplifted in a regal and uprising gesture.