The striated heron also known as mangrove heron or little green heron, is a small heron, about 44 cm tall. It is mostly sedentary and noted for some interesting behavioural traits. The breeding habitat is in South America and the Caribbean. The striated heron was formerly considered to be conspecific with the little heron that is found in the Old World tropics from west Africa to Japan and Australia.
Region
Tropics of the Americas, Africa, and Asia-Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs widely along tropical coasts, river systems, lakes, mangroves, and marshes. It frequents brackish estuaries, tidal creeks, mangrove forests, rice paddies, and quiet freshwater ponds. Often found in shaded, vegetated margins where it can ambush prey. It is generally sedentary with local movements following water levels and food availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The striated heron is famed for using bait—such as insects, leaves, or bread—to lure fish within striking distance, one of the best documented cases of tool use in birds. It is mostly solitary and secretive, hugging shaded edges of mangroves and creeks. During breeding, the legs and bill can flush brighter colors.
Standing still in a pond at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden.
with a fish in Ecuador
Egg, Muséum de Toulouse
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over water
Social Behavior
Usually forages alone, patiently stalking from perches or crouching at the water’s edge. Nests singly or in loose colonies, often in mangroves or riverside trees. The nest is a flimsy stick platform; both sexes incubate and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet; most often gives a sharp, metallic 'kik' or 'skewk' when flushed. During breeding it may utter harsher squawks and rattling calls near the nest.
