The Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta) is a enormous, ungainly ogre of a bird. Found around freshwater marshes and rivers in Amazonian lowlands. Dark gray and black overall with a scaly white neck and white belly. Named for the characteristic unicorn-like appendage on top of its head. Walks along river banks and perches in waterside vegetation, sometimes quite high. Honking song can be heard at great distances—a deep, reedy “ha-moo-co” often uttered in duet.
Habitats & Distribution
The Horned Screamer is found in the wetlands and swampy forests of the Amazon Basin, including parts of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Venezuela. It inhabits lowland rainforests, riverbanks, and floodplains, often favoring areas with abundant water and dense vegetation.
Behaviours & Reproduction
Horned Screamers are generally found in small groups or pairs and are known for their distinctive, loud vocalizations that resemble a high-pitched scream. They are mostly herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, and fruits. During the breeding season, they build nests in dense vegetation near water, laying 1-2 eggs. Both parents share responsibilities for incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks.
Diet
Herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, and fruits
Colors
Mostly black with a white belly and horn-like structure
Fun Facts
The Horned Screamer is named for the prominent, horn-like structures on its head, which are actually bony protuberances covered by feathers.
It is known for its distinctive and loud calls, which can be heard over long distances and are used for communication within the flock.
Despite their size and appearance, these birds are good fliers and use their strong wings to travel between feeding and breeding sites.
The horn-like structures on their heads are believed to play a role in their courtship displays and dominance interactions.
Horned Screamers have a unique walking style, often seen moving with a pronounced, rocking gait.
They are well-adapted to their swampy environments, with long legs and toes that help them navigate through muddy and aquatic terrain.
Conservation Status & Efforts
The Horned Screamer is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, indicating that it currently faces no major threats. However, its habitat can be affected by deforestation, drainage of wetlands, and other forms of environmental degradation. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving wetland habitats and monitoring population trends to ensure the long-term health of their ecosystems.
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