Whistling Heron

About the Whistling Heron

The whistling heron (Syrigma sibilatrix) 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.

A molecular phylogenetic study published in 2023 found that within the heron family the whistling heron is most closely related to the capped heron (Pilherodius pileatus). Two subspecies are recognised: S. s. fostersmithi Friedmann, 1949 – northeast Colombia and northwest Venezuela

S. s. sibilatrix (Temminck, 1824) – east Bolivia and south Brazil to northeast Argentina 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. The feathers of the sides of head, sides of the neck, breast, and scapular area are basically white but are stained gold to buff, perhaps by the powder down typical of herons... Wikipedia →