Rufescent Tiger Heron

Overview

The rufescent tiger heron (Tigrisoma lineatum) is a medium-sized heron found in wetlands across Central and South America. It belongs to the family Ardeidae and is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN due to its extensive range.

Identification

• Medium-sized bird measuring 66–76 cm in length with a weight between 630 and 980 g.
• Adults feature a dark rufous head, neck, and chest with a white stripe down the center of the foreneck, while the upperparts are brownish with fine black vermiculations.
• Flanks are barred black and white, and the tail is black with narrow white bars.
• Possesses a stout yellowish to dusky bill, dull green legs, and bright yellow irides, loral skin, and orbital ring.
• Main call is a low-pitched paired hoot, often given at night, alongside fast series of sharp 'wok' notes that decrease in volume and speed.

Habitat

Found in wetlands from Central America through much of South America. Generally occurs below 500 m, though recorded as high as 1,600 m in Colombia.

Diet

Consumes an aquatic-based diet including fish, crustaceans, water beetles, dragonfly larvae, adult dragonflies, and grasshoppers. Hunts alone, typically standing hunched in shallow pools or wet forest areas while waiting for prey.

Did you know?

This bird takes approximately five years to acquire adult plumage after hatching.