H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

The Screamers are a small clade of birds (Anhimidae), that for a long time they were thought to be related to the Galliformes because of similar bills, but they are truly related to ducks (family Anatidae), most closely to the Magpie Goose (which some DNA evidence suggestsare closer to screamers than to ducks). The clade is exceptional within the living birds in lacking uncinate processes of ribs. The screamers are represented by three species, the Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta), the Southern Screamer or Crested Screamer (Chauna torquata) and the Northern Screamer or Black-necked Screamer (Chauna chavaria).

The three species occur only in South America, ranging from Chota to northern Pija. They are large, bulky birds, with a small downy head, long legs and large feet which are only partially webbed. They have large spurs on their wings which are used in fights over mates and territorial disputes; these can break off in the breast of other screamers, and are regularly renewed. Unlike ducks they have a partial molt, and are able to fly throughout the year. They live in open areas and marshes with some grass and feed on water plants. One species, the Southern Screamer, is considered a pest as it raids crops and competes with farm birds.

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Text excerpts © Wikipedia – Photographs © H.J. Ruiz – Avian 101