Southern Screamer

Overview

The Southern Screamer is a large, heavy-bodied waterbird of southern South American wetlands, notable for its gray plumage, a blackish partial collar across the lower neck, and a short bushy crest on the crown. Despite its bulk, it is a surprisingly capable flier, frequently seen soaring on thermals high above marshes and wet grassland, and its loud honking calls carry over long distances.

Feather Identification

• Body: Overall soft gray plumage, paler on the head.
• Crest: A short, bushy crest at the back of the crown.
• Neck: A blackish band or partial collar crosses the lower neck.
• Wings: Dark gray with paler covert edging; sharp bony spurs occur at the wing bend, a skeletal rather than feather feature.
• Tail: Dark gray, of moderate length.
• Versus similar species: The Horned Screamer shows a blackish, white-speckled body and a long forehead horn, both absent in the Southern Screamer, which instead shows plain gray plumage and a neck collar.

Plumage Notes

Sexes are alike. Juveniles are duller and grayer overall, lacking a distinct neck collar until they mature. A single complete molt occurs annually.

Habitat & Range

The Southern Screamer is found in central South America, including Bolivia, Paraguay, southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. It inhabits freshwater marshes, wet grassland, lake margins, and flooded pasture, and is largely resident with some local movement tied to water levels.

Behavior & Field Notes

Southern Screamers are often seen in pairs or flocks grazing on marsh vegetation, or soaring high on thermals despite their bulky shape. They give loud, far-carrying honking or trumpeting calls and build nests on the ground near water from marsh vegetation.