Breeding biology of the Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta) in non-protected areas in the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract

The Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta) is one of the three species of the family Anhimidae occurring in South America. It is widely distributed in the Amazon, the Cerrado, and the Atlantic Forest biomes, but detailed studies on its biology are lacking. The objective of this study was to examine aspects of the breeding of A. cornuta in the Brazilian Cerrado. Evidences of breeding birds were obtained through a search for records (photographs) in the WikiAves database in November 2019. Documented records (n = 46) of breeding birds were obtained by citizens between 2009 and 2019 in 30 municipalities. Nests with eggs (n = 15) were found mainly in marshes and grassy areas, often adjacent to the water surface. They had 2–5 white eggs and were found in two periods of the year—one comprising mainly the dry season, and the other, the rainy season. Other records (n = 31) involved families with young birds. The periods of occurrence of yellow young were highly overlapped with those of eggs. More developed young with downy plumage were found throughout the year. Young with plumage similar to that of adults (juveniles) were eventually found. Records accompanied by comments provided by citizens indicated that nests and young are cared by both parents. It was observed that birds can breed successfully outside full protected conservation areas. This study suggests that marshes should be considered a major habitat for the conservation of A. cornuta in the Brazilian Cerrado.