Chavarrí
Northern Screamer
Chauna chavaria
Song
Northern Screamer
Appearance: The Northern Screamer is a distinct-looking bird (84 cm - 33 in) with a unique combination of features resembling both ducks and game birds. It has a large, heavy body, long legs, and a long neck. Bare red ocular area and legs. The plumage is predominantly slate-gray, and the head and neck are sparsely feathered with black and whitish coloration. It has a small, downturned, horn-like structure on top of its head.
Habitat: The Northern Screamer typically inhabits wetland areas such as marshes, swamps, and floodplains with abundant vegetation and freshwater sources. It can be found in both lowland regions and at higher elevations up to 200 m near wetland habitats of the Atlantic coast.
Behavior: Northern Screamers are social birds that usually gather in single, small flocks or family groups. They are primarily terrestrial but are capable of flying. They are often observed foraging on the ground, using their long legs and large feet to move through marshy or muddy areas. When threatened or alarmed, they can emit loud, piercing calls that give them their name. Rest atop bushes or high in trees near marshes and lagoons.
Breeding: The breeding behavior of Northern Screamers is not extensively documented. However, like other screamers, they are believed to form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They construct large, bulky nests made of vegetation near or above water. The female typically lays a clutch of eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and raising the chicks.
Conservation Status: The conservation status of the Northern Screamer in Colombia, as well as its overall global status, is currently listed as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
Distribution
The Northern Screamer (Chauna chavaria) is a bird species native to South America. Its distribution is primarily restricted to the northern region of the continent. Specifically, the Northern Screamer is found in the lowland regions of Colombia and Venezuela, the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana), and parts of northern Brazil.
Within these countries, the Northern Screamer is typically encountered in wetland habitats such as swamps, marshes, floodplains, and other freshwater areas with dense vegetation and abundant water sources.
The Northern Screamer's distribution may be limited within its range, and specific population densities and habitats can vary depending on local conditions and ecosystem characteristics.
Taxonomy
The Northern Screamer (Chauna chavaria)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anhimidae
- Genus: Chauna
- Species: Chauna chavaria
Vocalization
The Northern Screamer is known for its loud and distinctive vocalizations, which are the source of its common name. The vocalizations of the Northern Screamer consist of a series of loud, far-carrying, piercing calls that can be described as a variety of honks, screams, or trumpets.The primary vocalization of the Northern Screamer is a long, drawn-out, wailing call.
This call can carry over long distances and is often described as resembling a human scream or a trumpet blast. It is believed to serve various purposes, including territorial defense, communication within a flock, and mate attraction.These screamers are usually observed vocalizing at dawn and dusk, though they may vocalize sporadically throughout the day as well.
