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.
Region
South America (east of the Andes)
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from Venezuela and Colombia south through Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay to northern and central Argentina. It favors open habitats such as seasonally flooded savannas, wet grasslands, pampas, pastures, marsh margins, and rice fields. The species is often encountered far from standing water, stalking prey in short grass or along ditches and fencelines. It nests in trees or shrubs, sometimes in small colonies, including in semi-urban and agricultural areas. Local movements track rainfall and water levels, especially in the southern part of its range.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The whistling heron is a medium-sized, largely terrestrial heron of South America and the sole member of the genus Syrigma. It often forages far from open water in pastures and savannas, and is known for its clear, whistling call given in flight and at colonies. Two subspecies are recognized: the southern S. s. sibilatrix and the northern S. s. fostersmithi. It adapts well to open agricultural landscapes and can be surprisingly confiding around people.
Temperament
typically solitary or in pairs; alert but often tolerant of people
Flight Pattern
steady flight on slow, deep wingbeats with neck retracted; direct and purposeful
Social Behavior
Often feeds alone or in pairs, occasionally in small loose groups in rich foraging areas. Nests singly or in small colonies, sometimes alongside other herons and ibises, placing stick nests in trees or tall shrubs. Courtship includes mutual display postures and frequent whistled calls; both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing. Clutches typically contain 2–4 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Best known for clear, ringing whistles, often a sharp two- to three-note call given in flight. At colonies and during displays it produces repeated, mellow whistled notes interspersed with softer clucks.
Plumage
Elegant heron with pale grey-blue upperparts, a warm buff to tawny neck and breast, and a whitish throat. The crown is dark, often appearing blackish, with fine, slender crest plumes; flight feathers are darker contrasting with paler coverts. In breeding condition, subtle elongated plumes develop on the neck and back. Bill is bicolored with a paler base and darker tip; legs are bright yellow to yellow-orange.
Diet
A generalist carnivore, it takes large insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles, as well as frogs, small fish, lizards, and occasional small rodents. It forages by slow stalking and quick jabs, often picking prey from short grass or shallow puddles. The species also exploits disturbed ground, following tractors or foraging along recently burned areas to capture flushed prey.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds in open country—grazed pastures, savannas, rice paddies, and the edges of marshes and ponds. It commonly works along ditches, fence lines, and tracks, using perches like fence posts to scan for prey. After rains, it concentrates in seasonally flooded grasslands and shallow wetlands.
