Reproduction

Pairs form for life and defend their territory year round. Pairs strengthen their bond by performing a duet call or preening one another. Males may also circle around females with their dorsal feathers erect.

They are highly territorial and will use a loud call to mark the boundaries for other pairs.

Breeding can occur year round with a peak in spring and summer. It mainly occurs on the ground.

Both members of the pair participate in building the nest. This is formed from a large pile of plant material such as weeds, reeds and sticks. Debris may also be used to form it. It may be fixed to brush in the water or placed on dry ground close to the water's edge.

A female will deposit between 4 and 6 eggs on to the ground. These eggs are olive in color. Both parents help to incubate the eggs for 45 to 47 days. At hatching the chicks have grayish-yellow down across their body.

As soon as they hatch the chicks can move around with the adults and follow them. Parents will offer them food for 60 to 75 days to encourage feeding.

Independence is reached at 1 year old.

Behavior

As is implied by their name screamer the horned screamer is a loud bird which makes a honking sound or loud 'u-who' call. They produce their call while flying and they will call together with others at their roost.

At night they mainly roost in trees which provide protection though they may roost in shallow water.

Most of their time is spent on the ground where they will forage for food.

They will engage in fights using the spurs on the wing to try and harm the opponent. Pursuits may also occur in the air.

Most of their flights are short. When in flight the neck is outstretched.

Small groups may form with between 5 and 10 members.

Predators and Threats

Humans are the only recorded predator of these birds.

When threatened they will fly up in to a tree while emitting a loud call.

Quick facts

Native people within their range refer to this species as 'Mohooka.'