DISTRIBUTION:

The Whistling Heron (Syrigma sibilatrix) is natural to eastern South America, from Colombia and Venezuela to Paraguay, northern Argentina and Uruguay.

POPULATIONS:

Two isolated populations. One to the north of the continent and the other south of the Amazon Basin.

ELEVACIÓN:

It is documented from sea level to 1200 meters.

HABITAT:

Different to most of the other egrets. Inhabits dry and humid lands, not frequent near water; although we must mention that we have seen it in swampy zones in Uruguay.

BEHAVIOR:

This egret is not gregarious, usually seen in pairs. Reported to roost in small groups.

REPRODUCTION:

Nesting is solitary away from the water. The courtship dance is described as amazing acrobatic flight maneuvers. The clutch is two to four gray blue with spots eggs. Probable that the pair will renest if the clutch is lost.

FOOD:

The diet consists of lizards, frogs and insects. Hunts walking the fields. Documented probing the ground. Active during the day.

DESCRIPTION:

It reaches a length from 53 to 58 cm.

OTHER NAMES:

The Whistling Heron in Spanish is called “Garceta Chiflón”, “Garza Amarilla”, “Garza Chiflona”, “Garza Silbadora” and “Chiflón”.