Capped Heron
Pilherodius pileatus
The Capped Heron (Pilherodius pileatus) is a uncommon herons, egrets, and bittern found in 12 countries, weighing about 569 g. The capped heron is a water bird endemic to the neotropics, inhabiting rainforest from the center of Panama to the south of Brazil.
About the Capped Heron
The capped heron is a water bird endemic to the neotropics, inhabiting rainforest from the center of Panama to the south of Brazil. It is the only species of the genus Pilherodius, and one of the least known of the heron family, Ardeidae. It is superficially similar to the group of the night herons, but is active during daytime or at twilight.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
This species is very distinct from other herons, being the only one with a blue beak and face, and a black crown. The belly, chest, and neck are covered with yellowish-white or light-cream feathers. The wings and back are covered with white feathers. Three to four white long feathers extend from the black crown. No sexual dimorphism in color or brightness has been noted. The body length of an adult varies between 510 and 590 mm, the wing chords between 263 and 280 mm, the tail between 95 and 103 mm, and the tarsus between 92 and 99 mm. The weight of an adult varies between 444 and 632 g.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Capped Heron can be seen all year round, with peak activity in July. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Capped Heron?
- This species is very distinct from other herons, being the only one with a blue beak and face, and a black crown. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Capped Heron?
- The Capped Heron is a large sized bird weighing about 569 g.
- Where can you see a Capped Heron?
- The Capped Heron occurs in 12 countries, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Panama.
- What birds look similar to a Capped Heron?
- The Capped Heron is most easily confused with the Javan Pond Heron, the Black Heron and the Fasciated Tiger Heron.
- Is the Capped Heron endangered?
- The Capped Heron is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Capped Heron for real
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