IUCN Conservation Status –
Least Concern
Extinct In The Wild
Class: Birds
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anhimidae
The southern screamer inhabits tropical and sub-tropical swamps, estuaries and watersides in southeastern Peru, northern Bolivia, Paraguay, southern Brazil and Uruguay.
This bird feeds mainly on water plants, but it will also eat seeds, leaves and stems of cultivated crops.
Interesting facts!
- Southern screamers gather in large flocks at communal roosts, standing up in shallow water.
- If alarmed or threatened, they fly straight up into a tree and produce very loud screams, hence their name.
- The species is a good swimmer, having partially webbed feet, but prefers to move on the ground when it can.
Conservation
This species is threatened by degradation of its habitat and drainage of wetlands for agriculture extension. It is also a popular target for hunters.