Zigzag heron
| Zigzag heron | ||||||||||||
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Zigzag Heron ( Zebrilus undulatus ) |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name of the genus | ||||||||||||
| Zebrilus | ||||||||||||
| Bonaparte , 1855 | ||||||||||||
| Scientific name of the species | ||||||||||||
| Zebrilus undulatus | ||||||||||||
| ( Gmelin , 1789) |
The zigzag heron ( Zebrilus undulatus ) is a small species in the heron family that belongs to the subfamily of tommels . The species occurs exclusively in South America.
Appearance and voice
The zigzag heron reaches a height of 28 to 30 centimeters and weighs an average of 123 grams. There is no gender dimorphism . The individual, predominantly brownish colored individuals, however, show a very variable plumage color.
The zigzag heron has a black skull with a black feather hood, which makes the head appear very large. The beak is relatively short and dark. The iris is yellow. The back and the wings are brown-black with darker stripes and fine cream-white markings. The underside of the body is cream-colored, with noticeable dark vertical stripes and longitudinal spots. The legs are dark horn colored, the toes are yellow. Young birds differ from adult zigzag herons in that they have more reddish plumage. Their beak is yellow-green.
The zigzag heron is very happy to call. The Oooop and Ahnnn can be heard in long rows of calls.
Distribution area and habitat
The distribution area of the zigzag heron is the northern half of South America. It occurs in eastern Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guiana, Suriname, northern Bolivia and Paraguay, eastern Peru and eastern Ecuador. The zigzag heron is a resident bird. The exact numbers of this species are not known. But it is considered a widespread and common species.
The zigzag heron habitats are tropical forests near or along river banks and lakes. Preference is given to habitats with slowly flowing watercourses and treetops hanging over the water, as well as resting and resting places in the form of cleared tree roots and tree trunks lying in the water. Secondary habitats are still waters that are surrounded by trees and grasslands. The zigzag heron is a typical type of the lowlands and has a height distribution of 200 to 500 meters above sea level.
Way of life
Neither the food spectrum nor the reproductive biology of the zigzag heron has been adequately studied. Most often it is observed as it observes tree trunks or roots lying in the water from the water surface. If he discovers a fish, he takes a horizontal posture, sticks out his neck and then reaches for the fish. The food spectrum also includes insects. He also walks slowly through shallow waters while foraging for food. He is mainly looking for food at dusk. During the middle of the day, it usually rests on trees five to ten meters above the ground.
The breeding season falls from April to July. It nests solitary and its nests are near the water. The clutch size is not known; possibly the clutch consists of only a single, white-shelled egg. The breeding season is not known. Both parent birds take care of the young bird.
Systematics
The zigzag heron was classified as a tiger heron for a while . However, genetic studies have established that the species is more like a tommel. This is confirmed by some other characteristics as well. For example, zigzag herons like the tommels have only 10 tail feathers, while other heron subfamilies have 12 tail feathers.
supporting documents
Single receipts
literature
- James A. Kushlan & James A. Hancock: Herons . Oxford University Press, 2005, ISBN 0-19-854981-4
Web links
- Zebrilus undulatus inthe IUCN 2013 Red List of Threatened Species . Listed by: BirdLife International, 2012. Retrieved September 2, 2013.