Zigzag Heron (Zebrilus undulatus)

Order: Pelecaniformes | Family: Ardeidae  | IUCN Status: Near Threatened

zigzag_heron
Age: Adult | Sex: Unknown | Loc. Napo, Ecuador

zigzag_heron
Age: Adult | Sex: Unknown | Loc. Amazonian, Brazil

zigzag_heron
Age: Adult | Sex: Unknown | Loc. Mato Grosso, Brazil

zigzag_heron
Age: Juvenile | Sex: Unknown | Loc. East Ecuador


Identification & Behavior: ~32 cm (12.6 in). The Zigzag Heron is gray with fine pale barring. The middle of underparts is paler. Juveniles have brown underparts with a dark back.  The Zigzag Heron is rather reclusive remaining in thick cover and foraging under overhanging vegetation over water. Its plumage at all age stages is unmistakable. It is somewhat similar to the Striated Heron.

Status: The Zigzag Heron is rare in the Amazonian lowlands. It may be overlooked due to its habits of remaining in thick cover while foraging and roosting. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Garza Zebra.

Sub-species: Zigzag Heron (Zebrilus undulatus) Gmelin, 1789.

Meaning of Name: Zebrilus: French= Zebra, small Zebra. undulatus: L. undulata= with waves, wavy.

See more of the Family Ardeidae   peru aves

Distribution Map
zigzag heronVoice


References:

    • Species range based on: Schulenberg, T. S., D. F. Stotz, and L. Rico. 2006. Distribution maps of the birds of Peru, version 1.0. Environment, Culture & Conservation (ECCo). The Field Museum.  http://fm2.fieldmuseum.org/uw_test/birdsofperu on 01/01/2015.