Butorides
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| Blyth , 1852 |
The Butorides are a genus of birds that are counted among the herons. The number of species in this genus is debatable. Here the division of Kuhlan et al. followed, which in the standard work The Herons distinguish two species with green heron ( B. virescens ) and mangrove heron ( B. striata ) that belong to this genus.
Appearance
Both types are small, compact and dark-backed heron species. Both have a comparatively thick neck, a comparatively strong, dark beak, and short, thick legs. The main distinguishing feature is that the green heron has a chestnut-colored neck, while that of the mangrove heron is gray.
The green heron reaches a body size of 41 to 46 centimeters and weighs between 200 and 250 grams. The size of the mangrove heron, which is very rich in subspecies, varies depending on the distribution area. In South America it is between 35 and 45 centimeters tall. In Africa, its size varies between 40 and 41 centimeters, and Australian mangrove herons reach a height of 43 centimeters. African mangrove herons weigh between 193 and 235 grams.
In both species, the females are a little smaller and also a little less colorful.
Distribution area
The green heron occurs in North and Central America. In the north of its range it even reaches Canada. He also colonizes the Caribbean islands. The mangrove heron, on the other hand, is one of the most widespread species of heron. It occurs in South America, Africa, Madagascar, the islands of the Indian Ocean, in the south. and East Asia, the Indonesian Islands, a number of Pacific Islands, and Australia. According to its very large distribution area, numerous subspecies are distinguished.
Part of the populations of both species are resident birds. Another part of the population moves to climatically more favorable zones after the breeding season. In the case of the mangrove heron, the subspecies Butorides striata amurensis and Butorides striata actophilus , which breed in Russia, North Vietnam, North Laos, North Thailand, North Cambodia, North and South Korea as well as North and South China, migrate.
Systematics
The classification of the Butorides species is disputed. It seems as if they are closely related to the Schopf herons and both classes are in turn closely related to Ardea -Reihern. New findings indicate that there is a zone in northern South America and southern Central America where these species reproduce with one another. It cannot therefore be ruled out that the two species are conspecific . According to Kushlan et al., The lava heron is a subspecies of the mangrove heron.
supporting documents
Single receipts
literature
- James A. Kushlan & James A. Hancock: Herons . Oxford University Press, 2005, ISBN 0198549814
