Huge southern screamers show how they got their name

15 days ago
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Southern screamers are one of the largest birds in South America. Almost 1m (3 feet) tall, they have a massive wingspan of 1.5m (4.5 feet). They resemble prehistoric creatures with their head plumage and huge feet.
This mating pair were found in the wetlands of the Pantanal in Brazil. When full-grown, they have few predators able to take them down. They roam the grassy areas in search of food, but they are excellent fliers and capable swimmers. They graze like geese and scratch for food like chickens.
These birds typically mate for life, engaging in calling rituals as seen here. Their shrill cries can be heard at a distance of 3km (2 miles). Aptly referred to as screaming, these birds make excellent guards with their loud alarm calls.

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