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 - Horned Screamer
 - Horned Screamer
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Horned Screamer Anhima cornuta Scientific name definitions

María A. García-Amado, Peter Pyle, and Natalia Piland
Version: 2.0 — Published March 22, 2024
Revision Notes

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Introduction

Ponderous, hulking, and sporting a battery of spiky appendages, the prehistoric-looking Horned Screamer more closely recalls a dinosaur than other waterfowl (Anseriformes). It occurs along rivers and in freshwater marshes across much of northern and central South America principally (but not quite exclusively) east of the Andes, extending to southeastern Brazil and northeastern Paraguay.

The characteristic spiny appendage atop the Horned Screamer’s head could rightfully earn it the title of “unicorn of the avian world;" yet, it has several other morphological distinctions, including spurs on its wings that are used for fighting, huge and powerful legs with long toes, and dermal air sacs that can produce crackling non-vocal sounds.

Largely herbivorous, the Horned Screamer forages by grazing and digging at the water’s edge. It tends to aggregate in pairs and in small groups, although it seems to be less social than other screamers (Anhimidae). A consummately vocal bird, pairs can be heard duetting "ha-moo-co" over long periods of time and distances. This clamorous vocalization has inspired many of its regional names, like "Jamuco," "Camungo," or "Aruco."

Distribution of the Horned Screamer - Range Map
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  • Year-round
  • Migration
  • Breeding
  • Non-Breeding
Distribution of the Horned Screamer

Recommended Citation

García-Amado, M. A., P. Pyle, and N. Piland (2024). Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta), version 2.0. In Birds of the World (T. S. Schulenberg and N. C. García, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.horscr1.02
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