Chauna

Chauna
Southern Screamer (Chauna torquata)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Subclass:	Neornithes
Infraclass:	Galloanserae
Order:	Anseriformes
Family:	Anhimidae
Genus:	Chauna Illiger, 1811
Species
Chauna chavaria Northern Screamer Chauna torquata Southern Screamer

Chauna is a genus of birds in the screamer family. Its two members are found in wetlands of South America. The species are

• Southern Screamer or Crested Screamer, Chauna torquata
• Northern Screamer or Black-necked Screamer, Chauna chavaria

They are large, bulky birds, with a small downy head, long legs and large feet which are only partially webbed. They have large spurs on their wings which are used in fights over mates and territorial disputes. The Southern Screamer is overall fairly common and sometimes considered a pest as it raids crops and competes with farm birds for food. In contrast, the Northern Screamer is relatively rare and therefore considered near threatened.

References

• Hilty, Steven L (2003). Birds of Venezuela. London: Christopher Helm. ISBN 0-7136-6418-5.