Whistling Heron
Syrigma sibilatrix
The Whistling Heron (Syrigma sibilatrix) is a uncommon herons, egrets, and bittern found in 17 countries, weighing about 463 g. The whistling heron is a medium-sized, often terrestrial heron of South America.
About the Whistling Heron
The whistling heron is a medium-sized, often terrestrial heron of South America. It is the only species placed in the genus Syrigma. There are two subspecies, the southern S. s. sibilatrix and the northern S. s. fostersmithi.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The whistling heron measures 53 to 64 cm in length and weighs 521 to 546 g. The southern subspecies is bigger but has a shorter bill in proportion to the body. The overall impression of standing birds is gray, with flying birds showing conspicuous white rear parts (lower back, belly, and tail). In both subspecies, adults' upperparts except the lower back are blue-gray.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Chile, Peru, Belize, Costa Rica.
When to see it
The Whistling Heron can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Whistling Heron?
- The whistling heron measures 53 to 64 cm in length and weighs 521 to 546 g. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Whistling Heron?
- The Whistling Heron is a large sized bird weighing about 463 g.
- Where can you see a Whistling Heron?
- The Whistling Heron occurs in 17 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay and Paraguay.
- What birds look similar to a Whistling Heron?
- The Whistling Heron is most easily confused with the Bare-throated Tiger Heron, the Chinese Pond Heron and the Rufescent Tiger Heron.
- Is the Whistling Heron endangered?
- The Whistling Heron is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
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