Screamers
Order: ANSERIFORMES - Family: ANHIMIDAE |
3 Species currently existing - 2 in region |
The Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta) and the Northern Screamer (Chauna chavaria). Large birds mostly found in open woodlands where they eat aquatic plants. Found in pairs or small groups. Read in Spanish
Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta. The Horned Screamer is a large bird with a length of around 89 cm (35 in). It has a dark plumage with a white belly and a unique horn-like structure above its bill, which is present in both males and females. Horned screamers inhabit wetlands, marshes, and riversides. They are commonly found in regions such as the Llanos and the Amazon basin.
Northern Screamer (Chauna chavaria). The Northern Screamer is smaller than the Horned Screamer, measuring approximately 84 cm (33 inches) in length. It lacks the distinct horn-like structure and has a more uniform plumage, with greyish-brown feathers, a black neck, and a white undertail. The northern screamer is distinguished by its loud vocalizations.
Horned Screamer
Anhima cornuta
Spanish name: Aruco
Size: 35 in | 89 cm
Habitat: Swamps, marshes, riverbanks, and floodplains with abundant vegetation and water sources.
Height: <500 m
Photo: © iStock/Getty Images Plus
Northern Screamer
Chauna chavaria
Spanish name: Chavarrí
Size: 33 in | 84 cm
Habitat: Marshes, lagoons, riverbanks, open or semi open areas
Height: <200 m
Photo: © Eduardo Lago V.