Abstract
We describe a predation event on the snake Mastigodryas boddaerty (Colubridae) by the Whistling Heron Syrigma sibilatrix (Ardeidae) in the Venezuelan llanos. The Whistling Heron seems to include snakes occasionally in its diet as indicated by our observation, which also provide the second species of snake recorded in the diet of this heron.
Highlights
In Venezuelan llanos, the Whistling Heron is commonly found in tall dry grass pastures and less frequently in flooded fields until 500 m (Hilty 2003)
In this paper we described the successful capture and consumption of a Boddaert Tropical Racer (Mastigodryas boddaerty) by a Whistling Heron in the Venezuelan llanos
Hato Santa Luisa is located in the low llanos region which is characterized by a climate markedly seasonal with a rainy season comprised between May to October and a dry season during November and April
Summary
In Venezuelan llanos, the Whistling Heron is commonly found in tall dry grass pastures and less frequently in flooded fields until 500 m (Hilty 2003). Herons and egrets (Pelecaniiformes: Ardeidae) are birds whose diet is principally constituted by fishes and crabs, which are captured after a quick movement of the head and neck, being least important other items such as earthworms, insects, frogs and other small vertebrates (Kushlan 2004). As for other species of tropical herons, there are few published accounts about the diet and preys of the Whistling Heron (Franz et al 2007; Aoki & Filho 2013).
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