Close-up of a Southern Screamer with a tufted grey crest, bright red face, and sharp beak, against a blurred background.

Southern Screamer

At Paignton Zoo, 2 southern screamers form part of the wetland bird collection up at the ABC aviaries.

Southern ScreamerChauna torquata

  • Class:

    Aves

  • Order:

    Anseriformes

  • Family:

    Anhimidae

About the secretary bird

The southern screamer is a large wetland bird recognised by its grey body, black neck collar, and red facial skin. Reaching up to 95 centimetres in length, it inhabits marshes, flooded grasslands, and savanna edges.

Despite its size, it feeds mainly on aquatic plants and seeds. Strong pair bonds are formed, and territorial pairs defend breeding areas during nesting season.

Conservation

The species is listed as Least Concern, though wetland drainage and disturbance in parts of South America can affect local populations.