Southern Screamer

Chauna torquata

Range

• Bolivia and southern Brazil south to central Argentina

Habitat

• Tropical wetlands

Diet

• Stems
• Seeds
• Leaves

Despite appearances, the closest living relatives of these South American birds are ducks, geese, and swans.

Screamers are the “guard birds” of their habitats; their trumpet-like calls can carry for several miles, warning other birds of approaching danger. While extremely vocal, they also are armed with two sharp spurs on each wing that are used to defend themselves when necessary. When not nesting, these birds form large flocks and graze in open grasslands surrounding the water.