The southern screamer is a species of bird in family Anhimidae of the waterfowl order Anseriformes. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Found across lowland wetlands of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. It inhabits marshes, floodplains, shallow lakes, lagoons, and rice fields, favoring areas with abundant emergent vegetation and nearby open ground. It uses both natural wetlands and human-modified landscapes and often nests close to or over water. Outside of breeding, birds may roam locally following water levels but generally remain within the same broader region.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Screamers are large, long-legged waterfowl relatives with spurred wings used in defense and territorial disputes. The southern screamer’s far-carrying, trumpet-like calls make it an effective 'alarm' bird and it is sometimes kept on farms for this purpose. Despite their size, they are strong fliers and often perch in shrubs or low trees near wetlands.
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and occasional soaring
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups; monogamous pairs maintain territories in the breeding season. Nests are bulky platforms built on the ground or over shallow water among reeds. Both sexes incubate and brood, and families may join loose flocks outside the breeding period. Birds often perch on low trees or shrubs to survey their surroundings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Very loud, far-carrying, trumpet-like screams, often given in duets by paired birds. Calls are repetitive and can be heard over long distances, functioning as territorial signals and alarms.
