Southern Screamer

The Southern Screamer (Chauna torquata), also known as the Crested Screamer, belongs to the order Anseriformes. This bird is found in southeastern Peru, northern Bolivia, Paraguay, southern Brazil, Uruguay and northern Argentina. Its diet consists of plants stems, seeds, leaves, and, rarely, small animals. The largest screamer on average, it is 83-95 cm (33-38 in) long and weighs 4-4.5 kg (8.8-10 lbs). It lives in swamps, estuaries and pool coasts.

The Southern Screamer is a good swimmer but prefers to move on the ground. The bony spurs on their wings are used for protection against rival screamers and other enemies. Although it is non-migratory, it is an excellent flier. They are normally seen in pairs but sometimes gather in large groups if there is a food in one place.

It establishes monogamous relationships that last a lifetime. Its lifespan is estimated to be 15 years. For the nest the couple makes a big platform of reeds, straws and other aquatic plants, in inaccessible places. The female lays between two and seven white eggs. Incubation takes 43 to 46 days and the couple take turns during this period. The chicks leave the nest as soon as they break the eggshell but the parents take care of them for several weeks. The fledging period takes 8 to 14 weeks.