Capped Heron

Pilherodius pileatus

Capped Heron (Pilherodius pileatus) — Herons, Pelicans & Ibises of Central America & Caribbean.

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Birds of Argentina Birds of Brazil Birds of Colombia Birds of Ecuador Birds of Peru

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Herons, Egrets & Bitterns of Argentina Herons, Egrets & Bitterns of Brazil Herons, Egrets & Bitterns of Colombia Herons, Egrets & Bitterns of Ecuador Herons, Egrets & Bitterns of Peru

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The Capped Heron (Pilherodius pileatus) is a member of the Ardeidae family found in Central America & Caribbean and South America. Adults weigh 569 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Least Concern.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List

LC Least Concern

Widespread and abundant — not currently at risk.

Where it fits

Class Aves
Order Pelecaniformes
Family Ardeidae Herons, Bitterns
Genus Pilherodius
Species pileatus

Where it lives

Eastern Panama to southeastern Brazil

Quick facts

Weight: 569 g
Diet: Aquatic hunters
Family: Ardeidae
Order: Pelecaniformes
Habitat: Wetland, lake & coast

How to identify

Similar birds

Least Concern

Biology & behaviour

Diet

The Capped Heron hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Behaviour

A bird of wetlands, it forages mainly on the ground.

Migration

The Capped Heron is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.

The Capped Heron (Pilherodius pileatus) is a species of bird in the Ardeidae family, part of the order Pelecaniformes. Its range spans Central America & Caribbean and South America. Its distribution covers MA, SA e Panama to se Brazil.

It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 569 g, with a wing length of about 27.3 cm and a tail of around 9.6 cm.

The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern. That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.

Its mapped global range covers an estimated 10.3 million km² — a very large global range.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Capped Heron?

The Capped Heron is a large bird that weighs around 569 g.

Where does the Capped Heron live?

The Capped Heron is found across Central America & Caribbean and South America with a range covering MA, SA e Panama to se Brazil, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.

What family does the Capped Heron belong to?

The Capped Heron (Pilherodius pileatus) belongs to the Ardeidae family, in the order Pelecaniformes.

What does the Capped Heron eat?

The Capped Heron hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Does the Capped Heron migrate?

The Capped Heron is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.

Is the Capped Heron endangered?

The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.

How large is the Capped Heron's range?

The Capped Heron has a mapped global range of about 10.3 million km².