The screamers (Anhimidae) are a small family of only three species, related to ducks. They occur only in South America, ranging from Venezuela to northern Argentina.

They have large spurs on their wings which are used in fights over mates and territorial disputes; these can break off in the breast of other screamers, and are regularly renewed. They are seldom hunted, in spite of their conspicuous nature, because their flesh has a spongy texture and is riddled with air-sacs, making it highly unpalatable.