Agami heron
Agamia agami
The agami heron is a medium-sized heron. It is a resident breeding bird from Central America south to Peru and Brazil.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agami_heron
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Pelecaniformes
Family
Ardeidae
Genus
Agamia
Agami heron belongs to the family Ardeidae, order Pelecaniformes, within the Aves class.
Species Profile
The agami heron 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. In Brazil it is sometimes called Soco beija-flor, meaning 'hummingbird heron', thanks to its unique coloration pattern.
The Agami heron faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and human encroachment into pristine wetland areas throughout its range. Its specialized habitat requirements and secretive nature make it particularly vulnerable to disturbance, while its restricted distribution and small population size increase extinction risk from localized threats.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits dense, undisturbed tropical rainforest streams, swamps, and freshwater wetlands with thick canopy cover, typically in lowland areas below 500m elevation. Requires pristine aquatic habitats with clear, slow-moving water surrounded by dense vegetation for foraging and nesting.
Threats
Agricultural expansion and land conversion
Deforestation and habitat loss
Human disturbance and development pressure
Small population size and restricted range
Water pollution and wetland degradation
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Agami heron (Agamia agami). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/agami-heron