Southern Screamer

Overview

The southern screamer (Chauna torquata) is a large waterfowl belonging to the family Anhimidae, native to southern South America. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with a stable population estimated between 100,000 and one million individuals.

Identification

• Stout-bodied bird measuring 83 to 90 cm in length, with a disproportionately small head and a grayish-brown bill.
• Gray head and upperparts featuring a velvety black 'collar' around the base of the neck; underparts are pale gray, faintly mottled with white.
• Rosy legs and feet, with two sharp spurs on the manus of the wing.
• Loud, unmelodious double-noted trumpet call described as a low, throaty 'oh-WOOOW' or 'be-SERK', audible up to 3 km away.

Habitat

Found in the eastern half of Bolivia, Paraguay, southwestern Brazil, and Uruguay, extending south into Argentina as far as Buenos Aires Province, with vagrant records in southeastern Peru. It inhabits tropical and subtropical wetlands, including lakes, marshes, and flooded meadows with scattered trees.

Diet

Feeds primarily on the leaves, stems, and seeds of aquatic plants, along with some crops. Usually grazes on the ground like geese but has been observed digging for food, often foraging in flocks of up to 100 during the non-breeding season.

Did you know?

Southern screamers are sometimes domesticated and used as guard animals because of their loud, far-carrying calls, which can alert owners to potential disturbances.