Capped Heron (Pilherodius pileatus)

Capped Heron Pilherodius pileatus

Brazilian name: garça-real

Capped Heron,Pantanal, Mato Grosso Brazil, December 2006 - click on image for a larger view

Brazil and Ecuador

The Capped Heron is found in tropical South America mainly in the Orinoco and Amazon Basins. There is a distribution map at xeno-canto.

Its most distinctive features are its cobalt blue bill and black cap. It has powder grey wings and creamy buff on the neck and breast during the breeding season.

Capped Heron,Cristalino, Mato Grosso Brazil, December 2006 - click on image for a larger view

It feeds on fish, insects and frogs which it captures using the techniques known as "Walking Slowly" or "Standing Still".

Capped Heron, Sani Lodge, Sucumbios, Ecuador, November 2019 - click on image for a larger view

Capped Heron, Monte Verde, Minas Gerais, Brazil, October 2022 - click on image for a larger view

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