Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0Southern screamer
Chauna torquata · chahã
The noisy sentinel of the marshes: it cries “chajá” and warns everyone when someone approaches.
What it is
A large gray bird, about 75 cm long, with a black-and-white collar and reddish legs. It belongs to a family found only in South America that is related to ducks and geese, though it looks nothing like them. It lives in pairs or groups in floodplains and lagoons, and its loud call carries a long way. It has two sharp spurs on each wing.
Did you know…?
Both its Spanish name and its Guaraní name, chahã, imitate its call.
Where
Marshes of the Lower Chaco (Transchaco Highway), Lake Ypoá, Ñeembucú, the Bay of Asunción and the lagoons of the Pantanal.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 2 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.