Skip to main content
Close

Agami Heron

Agamia agami

Photo by PatriciaPi
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

10.1867, -83.2482

Field Notes

Description:

The Agami Heron (Agamia agami) is a medium-sized heron. It is a resident breeding bird from Central America south to Peru and Brazil.
It is sometimes known as the Chestnut-bellied Heron, and is the only member of the genus Agamia (Reichenbach, 1853).
They nest in colonies on platforms of sticks in trees over water, which may gather more than 100 nests (Fleck 2003). The normal clutch is two blue eggs. This uncommon and localised species is 66–76 cm in length. It is short-legged for a heron, but has a very long thin bill. The neck and underparts are chestnut, with a white line down the centre of the foreneck, and the wings are green. There are wispy pale blue feathers decorating the head, sides of the foreneck, and lower back. The legs, bill, and bare facial patch are dull yellow.
The sexes are similar, but immature Agami Herons are largely brown above with a white foreneck, and streaked brown-and-white underparts.
Despite its stunning plumage, this reclusive species' preference for shade and overhanging vegetation means that it is rarely seen at its best.
This is a quiet bird, but pairs and family groups may make various snoring or rattling sounds.
Agami Herons stalk their fish prey in shaded shallow water, often standing still or moving very slowly. They rarely wade in open water. They also take frogs, small reptiles, and snails.

Habitat:

The Agami Heron's habitat is forest swamps and similar wooded wetlands.

Pacuare Nature Reserve

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)

In Costa Rica they only breed in the reserve where I was working! they are wonderful!
Good species! I've missed this heron all the times I've been in Central / South America, perhaps next time!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon