Birds
Whistling Heron
Syrigma sibilatrix
Walking across dry grassland far from any water’s edge, a whistling heron hunts insects in a habitat most herons avoid, announcing its presence with the clear call that gives the species its name.
Overview
The whistling heron, Syrigma sibilatrix, is a Least Concern wading bird found across grassland and wetlands of central and southern South America. Its unusual habit of hunting across dry, open grassland rather than sticking close to water, combined with a distinctive whistling call and striking pink-and-blue facial pattern, sets it apart from most other herons.
A heron that leaves the water behind
While most herons stay close to wetland margins to hunt, the whistling heron frequently strikes out across open grassland in search of insects, a foraging habit shared by relatively few other heron species worldwide.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable grassland and wetland habitat throughout its South American range.
Whistling Heron: common questions
Why is it called the whistling heron?
It produces a distinctive clear, whistling call, a feature that gives the species its common name and sets it apart vocally from most other herons.
Does the whistling heron hunt near water like other herons?
Less than most. It frequently forages across dry, open grassland away from water's edge, a habit less typical of herons, which are usually tightly tied to wetland margins.
What does the whistling heron look like?
It shows pale buff and grey plumage combined with an unusual pink-and-blue bare facial pattern around the eye and bill base, a striking combination among herons.
Does the whistling heron hunt in groups?
Typically not in large groups. It is most often seen hunting alone or in pairs rather than gathering in the larger flocks some other heron species form.