Bare-throated Tiger Heron

The Bare-throated Tiger Heron, known scientifically as Tigrisoma mexicanum, is a striking wading bird belonging to the heron family, Ardeidae. It is a creature of considerable size, measuring 80 cm (31 in) in length and tipping the scales at 1,200 g (42 oz). The species is distinguished by its bare throat, which exhibits a greenish-yellow to orange hue across all plumages.

Identification Tips

Adults of this species can be identified by their black crown and the light grey sides of their head. The neck and upperparts are predominantly blackish, narrowly barred with buff. A distinctive white-bordered black median stripe adorns the fore-neck, while the underparts are a dull cinnamon brown. Juveniles, on the other hand, display a buff coloration coarsely barred with black, with more mottling and vermiculation on the wings. Their throat, median underparts, and belly are predominantly whitish.

Habitat

The Bare-throated Tiger Heron favors more open environments compared to its Tigrisoma counterparts, often found along the banks of rivers and lakes.

Distribution

This species has a range that extends from Mexico to northwestern Colombia. There has been a recorded sighting in the United States, specifically in Hidalgo County, Texas.

Behaviour

The Bare-throated Tiger Heron is known for its often motionless stance as it waits for suitable prey, such as fish, frogs, or crabs, to venture within striking distance of its long bill. It is a solitary breeder, not typically associating with heron colonies.

Song & Calls

The flight of the Bare-throated Tiger Heron is described as heavy. Its vocalizations include a hoarse "howk-howk-howk" and, in males, a booming "hrrrowwr!" particularly around sunset. During the latter call, the beak opens wide, and undulations are visible along the throat.

Breeding

This heron breeds alone, constructing a small, flattish stick platform in a tree for its nest. The clutch usually consists of 2–3 green-tinged white eggs.

Similar Species

While there are no specific similar species mentioned, the Bare-throated Tiger Heron can be differentiated from other herons by its unique throat coloration and barring patterns.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Bare-throated Tiger Heron includes fish, frogs, and crabs, which it captures with its long bill.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Bare-throated Tiger Heron as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.