From Opus

Chauna torquata

Photo by juninho
Photo taken: Transpantaneira highway, Pantanal, Brazil

[edit] Identification

3.5 foot long. The bony spurs on their wings are used for protection against rival screamers and other enemies.

[edit] Distribution

Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.

[edit] Taxonomy

This species is monotypic.^[1]

[edit] Habitat

Swamps, estuaries and pool coasts.

[edit] Behaviour

The diet includes plants stems, seeds, leaves, and, occasionally, small animals.

It is a good swimmer but prefers to move on the ground.

The nest is a big platform of reeds, straws and other aquatic plants, in inaccessible places. 2-7 white eggs are laid and incubated by both parents for 43 to 46 days. The fledging period takes 8 to 14 weeks.

[edit] References

1. Clements, JF. 2008. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2008. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist.

[edit] External Links