Horned Screamer
VU

Horned Screamer

Anhima cornuta

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horned_screamer

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Horned Screamer faces mounting pressure from wetland habitat conversion for agriculture and cattle ranching across its South American range. Hunting pressure remains significant in many regions, as these large, conspicuous birds are targeted for food and sport. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and mining activities degrades the aquatic ecosystems essential for their feeding and breeding.

Threat summary

Habitat

Horned Screamers inhabit freshwater wetlands, marshes, and flooded grasslands throughout tropical South America, particularly favoring areas with abundant aquatic vegetation. They require large territories with shallow water bodies for foraging and adjacent trees or elevated perches for roosting and nesting.

Threatened in Argentina

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Adonis BlueVU

Adonis Blue

Lysandra bellargus

Unknown
CR

Phlebopus bruchii

Declining
CR

Trichomycterus ramosus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Horned Screamer classified as Vulnerable?
Horned Screamer is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Horned Screamer faces mounting pressure from wetland habitat conversion for agriculture and cattle ranching across its South American range. Hunting pressure remains significant in many regions, as these large, conspicuous birds are targeted for food and sport. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and mining activities degrades the aquatic ecosystems essential for their feeding and breeding.
Where does Horned Screamer live?
Horned Screamer occurs in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and French Guiana (plus 9 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Horned Screamer?
The main threats to Horned Screamer are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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