One of South America’s most bizarre and fascinating birds—a loud, bulky, prehistoric-looking creature that sounds more like a honking goose or a blaring car alarm than any bird you’d expect to see in a wetland. Native to parts of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay, the Southern screamer may look like a cross between a turkey and a swan, but it’s actually a distant cousin of ducks and geese.

The Southern screamer is impossible to miss. It has a chunky body covered in gray feathers, a black collar around its neck, a small chicken-like head, and a crest of feathers that give it a wild, unkempt look. Despite its size and awkward shape, the Southern Screamer is a strong flier and can soar surprisingly well.

What really sets this bird apart is its vocal power. The Southern screamer produces a booming, trumpet-like call that can carry for over two miles. These calls are often made in pairs or groups, especially during the breeding season or to warn off intruders. Their voice is so distinct and loud that it’s used as a natural alarm system by some farmers, who welcome their presence near livestock to help deter predators.

Screamers have air sacs under their skin, especially around the neck and chest. These sacs are part of their vocal anatomy and help produce their thunderous calls. When you touch one, you can even feel a spongy texture under the feathers—like bubble wrap beneath the skin.

They are mostly found in marshes, lakeshores, and wetlands, where they feed on a mix of grasses, aquatic plants, seeds, and roots. They’re primarily vegetarians, which is somewhat unusual among large birds with fighting spurs. Screamers don’t wade like ducks—they prefer walking along the edges of water or standing in the shallows.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Argentina

2024

Bolivia

2024

Brazil

2024

Paraguay

2024

Peru

2024

Uruguay

2024

Breeding