Chauna torquata
The Southern Screamer (Chauna torquata) is a truly distinctive avian species, a large, goose-like bird with an imposing presence, measuring 75-95 cm in length with a wingspan often exceeding 170 cm and weighing 4-5 kg. Its plumage is predominantly a soft, dark grey, contrasted by a white throat and belly, a dark collar, and striking red legs. A unique feature is the small, bony "horn" or casque on its head, which can grow up to 15 cm long and is thought to play a role in species recognition o...
Primarily found in freshwater wetlands, marshes, lagoons, and flooded grasslands, often at low elevations. It prefers areas with dense emergent vegetation for cover and open water for foraging.
Primarily herbivorous, consuming a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation including leaves, stems, seeds, and roots; occasionally supplements with invertebrates. Forages by grazing on land and dabbling in shallow water.
Southern Screamers are diurnal birds, spending their days grazing, preening, and vocalizing, often roosting in trees or on elevated banks at night. Their foraging strategy primarily involves grazing on aquatic and terrestrial vegetation, though they also dabble in shallow water. They are highly t...
The Southern Screamer is a resident species found exclusively in South America, occupying a wide range across several countries. Its primary distribution extends from eastern Bolivia and Paraguay, through Uruguay, and into southern Brazil (specifically the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catar...
Least Concern
- The Southern Screamer is named for its exceptionally loud, far-carrying calls, which can be heard for several kilometers and are often given in duets. - They possess two sharp, bony spurs on the bend of each wing, which they use effectively for defense against predators and in territorial dispu...