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Zigzag herons are named for the intricate zebra-like banding on the back and folded wings. Adults are grayish and juveniles (like this bird) are more colorful, with a rusty wash to the head and underside. The species is tiny (even smaller than the least bittern, secretive, and quite rare. Additionally, they are largely nocturnal and live on small streams or ponds in deep rainforest, and consequently a sighting is prized by birdwatchers. I was very lucky to find and photograph this individual near Pantiacolla Lodge, in the western Amazon Basin in southeastern Peru. It permitted three or four exposures before flitting off. |
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