About Tigrisoma fasciatum (Such, 1825)
The fasciated tiger heron, with the scientific name Tigrisoma fasciatum (Such, 1825), measures 23–25 inches (58–64 cm) in length, making it the smallest of the three recognized tiger heron species.
Head and Face Features
Adult fasciated tiger herons have a black crown, and slaty gray coloring on the sides of the face.
Neck and Upperpart Markings
The neck and upperparts are black, marked with widely spaced, fine pale buff stripes.
Underpart Coloring
The abdomen ranges from grayish-cinnamon to warm brown, and the flanks are gray.
Beak Characteristics
Compared to other tiger herons, this species has a shorter, stouter beak that is black on the upper mandible and yellowish-green on the lower mandible, with a slightly arched culmen.
Iris Color
The irides are yellow.
Primary Habitat
The fasciated tiger heron occurs primarily in foothill habitats alongside rocky, fast-flowing streams.
Geographic Range
Its geographic range extends from Costa Rica through northwestern Argentina, southeastern Brazil, and Guyana; it has been recorded as a vagrant in Nicaragua.
Elevation Range
While it can be found from sea level up to 2,400 feet (730 m), it generally occupies higher elevations than the rufescent tiger heron in areas where both species are present.
Hunting Posture
When hunting along rivers, the fasciated tiger heron stands on the shore or on rocks in the watercourse with its neck partially extended.
Diet
It preys mainly on fish, which it catches by stabbing with its beak, and it also feeds on large insects.
