Horned Screamer
NameHorned Screamer
Common NameHorned Screamer
Scientific NameAnhima cornuta
FamilyAnhimidae
Wingspan (cm)170
Length (cm)89
Weight (g)3200
Plumage DetailsThe body is predominantly blackish-grey, with a white belly. The neck and upper breast are black, heavily streaked with white, creating a scaled appearance. It has bright orange-red eyes and a long, slender, unfeathered horn projecting from its forehead, which can reach up to 15 cm in length. Two sharp spurs are present on each wing.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its extremely loud, far-carrying, trumpeting or honking calls, often given in duets by pairs. These calls can be heard over long distances and are a characteristic sound of its wetland habitats.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in tropical South America, from Colombia and Venezuela south through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil to northern Argentina and Paraguay. It inhabits low-lying wetlands, marshes, flooded savannas, and lagoons.
Identifying FeaturesProminent horn on forehead, Loud, trumpeting calls, White-streaked neck and upper breast, Bright red eyes, Large, goose-like body, Two sharp spurs on each wing
Description
The Horned Screamer is a large, goose-like bird characterized by a prominent, slender horn-like projection on its forehead. It has a mostly dark plumage with a distinctive white-streaked neck and bright red eyes. This species is known for its exceptionally loud, trumpeting calls.
