Southern Screamer

These unusual  birds, which are part of a small collection as Martin Mere,  are  thought to be the “missing link” between wildfowl (ducks and geese) and gamebirds such as pheasants and quail. The name “screamer” comes  from their territorial call which can be heard up to two miles away.

They have relatively small heads on a large body and have long legs. They live in the South American wetlands, but do not have webbed feet. They do not feed in the same way as ducks or geese as their beaks cannot filter the water. They are mainly vegetarian and feed mostly on water plants, seeds, leaves and stems. 


I usually walk round the reed bed, rather than the collection area,  but the weather looked a little unsettled. Also, I was aching a bit after all the housework I did yesterday and didn't fancy the walk. Proof that housework isn't good for you.