Rufescent Tiger Heron

The rufescent tiger heron, Tigrisoma lineatum, is a medium-sized heron adorned with a striking plumage. Adults boast a dark rufous head, neck, and chest, with a distinctive white stripe down the foreneck. Their upperparts are a brownish hue, intricately patterned with fine black vermiculations, while the belly and vent present a buffy-brown coloration. The flanks are marked with a black and white barred pattern, and the tail is black with narrow white bars. The stout bill ranges from yellowish to dusky, legs are a dull green, and the eyes are surrounded by bright yellow skin.

Identification Tips

To identify the rufescent tiger heron, look for the adult's rufous head and neck, which sets it apart from other tiger herons. The juvenile, however, is a rusty-buff color with pronounced black barring, particularly on the wings. The throat, central chest, and belly of the young are white. It takes approximately five years for the juvenile to acquire the full adult plumage.

Habitat

This species is typically found in wetlands, thriving at elevations generally below 500 meters, though it has been spotted up to 1,600 meters in Colombia.

Distribution

The rufescent tiger heron has a broad range, inhabiting Central America and extending through much of South America.

Behaviour

The rufescent tiger heron is known for its crepuscular nature, being most active during twilight. It is a solitary creature, often seen alone.

Song & Calls

The heron's vocal repertoire includes a low-pitched paired hoot, primarily heard at night. Additionally, it emits a series of sharp 'wok' notes that taper off in volume and speed, and a distinctive prolonged hoot that rises sharply at the end.

Diet and Feeding

An aquatic forager, the rufescent tiger heron's diet consists of fish, crustaceans, water beetles, and dragonfly larvae. It also consumes adult dragonflies and grasshoppers. The heron typically hunts alone, standing still in shallow waters or damp forest areas, patiently waiting to ambush its prey.

Conservation status

The rufescent tiger heron is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), owing to its extensive range. The population size and trend have not been quantified, but there are no immediate threats that suggest a decline.