Critter Science

The horned screamer hails from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. They prefer tropical wetlands. There are 3 known screamer species: the horned, northern, and southern. These critters are related to swans , ducks , and geese . Due to their stable, yet decreasing numbers, they are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Their major threats are habitat destruction at the hands of agriculture, residential and commercial development, and logging.

First the Stats… Scientific name: Anhima cornuta Weight: Up to 6.9 lbs. Length: Up to 3+ feet Wingspan: Up to 66.93 inches Lifespan: Up to 15 years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) They get their name from the long spine that projects from their head. This continually grows and is often broken off at the tip. This spine is actually a cornified structure which is loosely attached to the skull.

2.) These social birds can be seen gathering into small groups.

3.) Horned screamers are diurnal (active during the day).

4.) Their diet consists of various aquatic grasses, flowers, leaves, stems, and young vines.

5.) Horned screamers are monogamous (mate for life).

But wait, there’s more on the horned screamer! 6.) Males fight 1 another for the rights to a female.

7.) The nest is comprised of floating vegetation.

Did you know…? The horned screamer is the Department of Arauca and the Municipality of Arauca in Colombia’s official bird. They are also the symbol of the National Reserve of Churute, in Ecuador.

8.) Females lay up to 3 eggs that hatch in up to 47 days.

9.) Chicks are born precocial (self sufficient) and can walk and even run, soon after hatching.

10.) Indigenous people call these birds “mahooka.” This is due to their call, which sounds like “mo-coo-ca.”

Now a Short Horned Screamer Video!

Be sure to share & comment below! Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel . Videos added regularly!

Want to suggest a critter for me to write about? Let me know here .

Pick up your Critter Science books today, at Amazon! <img decoding="async" src="https://critter.science/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wildlife-books-page-header-300x169.jpg" alt="Wildlife Books by Critter Science" width="300" height="169" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-17029" srcset="https://critter.science/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wildlife-books-page-header-300x169.jpg 300w, https://critter.science/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wildlife-books-page-header.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />

toolTips('.classtoolTips21','

An animal that is hatched or born in an advanced state and able to feed itself almost immediately is called precocial. Some examples are snakes , lizards , ducks , horses , and deer .'); toolTips('.classtoolTips31','

An animal that falls into this category is active during the day. Animals that fit this description typically use sight for hunting prey. Others, like turtles , are active during the day as they need the sun\'s rays to aid in the production of vitamin D, which is needed to help process calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease. Hummingbirds rely on the sun as most of the nectar they gather comes from flowers that are open during the day. Cows , dogs , elephants , butterflies , and squirrels , for example, are diurnal.');

Suriname

The Horned Screamer

Meet the Unique and Creepy Suriname Toad