Southern Screamer

Chauna torquata 

SSP Coordinator:

Joanna Klass, Woodland Park Zoo

Vice Coordinator:

Mindy Rabideau, Tracy Aviary 

The southern screamer (Chauna torquata) is a large, distinctive waterbird native to southern and central South America and is currently classified as Least Concern in the wild due to its wide distribution and stable population. It inhabits freshwater wetlands, including marshes, swamps, floodplains, and shallow lakes, often in areas with abundant aquatic vegetation. Southern screamers are primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, grasses, seeds, and other vegetation, though they may occasionally consume small invertebrates. Highly adapted to wetland environments, this species depends on healthy, vegetated wetlands for feeding, breeding, and shelter, making wetland conservation important for its long-term persistence.