Notes on the foraging behavior of the Zigzag Heron
Wilson Bulletin
1988
Journal Article
100
1
147-148
Reserva Nacional Tambopata Parque Nacional Bahuaja-Sonene animals birds Zigzag Heron Zebrilus undulatus animal behavior oxbow lakes foraging behavior predation fish Callichthyidae diet single-species study ecology small spatial scales Madre de Dios Bibliography
The zigzag heron (Zebrilus undulatus) is a bird poorly known. In this contribution, observations of this heron in an oxbow lake with open swamp forest in the TRZ for about 13 hours in August 1985 are described. During the 14 days on which the heron was observed, the periods of activity were before 11:00 hours and between 15:30 and 17:30 hours. On three occasions the bird was found around midday, quietly perched 5-10 m up in a tree some 30 m from the water. The heron foraged from branches overhanging the water, from the emergent roots of swamp trees or on the water. On one occasion the heron stood on some branches and caught flying insects, probably dragonflies (Odonata). Every time it became aware of the appearance of a prey, the heron had a characteristic behavior. During the observations it was found that of 15 strikes at aquatic prey, four (26%) were successful; the prey were fish of about 5 cm long, (the length of bill). After capturing a fish, the heron moved to a branch, where the fish was swallowed head-first. On one occasion an armoured catfish (Callichthyidae) was found with typical heron-inflicted injuries.