Aruco
Horned Screamer
Anhima cornuta
Song
Horned Screamer
Appearance: The Horned Screamer is a large bird with a body length of about 89 cm - 35 in). It has a distinctive appearance with a black or dark gray scaling on white chest, a long neck, and a prominent, upward-curving, horn-like structure on top of its head. Wing spurs. Thick sponge-like skin. It also features a red patch of bare skin around the base of its chicken-like bill with a small knob-like projection.
Habitat: The Horned Screamers inhabit a range of wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, rivers, and freshwater lakes. They can be found in both lowland and mountainous regions (500 to 1000 m). They prefer areas with abundant aquatic vegetation and dense reeds, as they use these habitats for nesting and foraging.
Behavior: Horned Screamers are primarily terrestrial birds but are capable of short flights. They are often observed walking on the ground or perching on top of trees. They are social birds and typically live in small family groups or pairs. When threatened or alarmed, they can emit loud, wailing calls. They are also known for their strong, territorial behavior and may aggressively defend their nesting sites.
Breeding: Horned Screamers form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They build large, bulky nests made of vegetation in marshy or swampy areas. The nests are typically constructed above water, attached to branches or vegetation. The female lays a clutch of 2-7 eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and rearing of the chicks.
Conservation Status: The Horned Screamer is listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List.
Distribution
The Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta) is primarily distributed in the northern and eastern parts of the country, particularly in the regions that encompass the Orinoco and Amazon river basins.
Within Colombia, this species can be found in various specific locations, including the wetlands of eastern plains such as the Llanos Orientales, which span across departments like Meta, Casanare, and Arauca. The Horned Screamer can also be observed in wetland areas in the Amazon rainforest, such as the Amazonas, Vaupés, Guainía, and Putumayo regions.
Additionally, other suitable habitats in Colombia where Horned Screamers may be encountered include marshes, swamps, and freshwater lakes in both lowland and mountainous areas across the country. These habitats are typically characterized by abundant aquatic vegetation and dense reeds, providing suitable nesting and foraging grounds for the bird.
Taxonomy
The Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anhimidae
- Genus: Anhima
- Species: Anhima cornuta
Vocalization
The Horned Screamer is aptly named for its loud and distinctive vocalizations. Its vocal repertoire consists of various calls, which it uses for communication and territorial defense. The primary vocalization of the Horned Screamer is a powerful and ringing call that resembles a loud, trumpeting scream. This call is typically described as a high-pitched, far-carrying sound that can be heard over long distances.
It is often used to communicate between individuals or to defend territories, making it an important part of their social interactions.In addition to the loud scream-like call, the Horned Screamer can produce other vocalizations such as grunts, honks, hisses, and murmurs. These vocalizations may serve different purposes, including interaction with mates, warning signals, or territorial disputes.
The unique vocalizations of the Horned Screamer contribute to its distinct presence in wetland habitats and can serve as a helpful identification feature for observers and researchers studying these birds in the wild.
