About Tigrisoma lineatum (Boddaert, 1783)
Species Classification
The rufescent tiger heron (Tigrisoma lineatum) is a medium-sized heron.
Size Measurements
It measures 26–30 inches (66–76 cm) in length, and weighs between 630 and 980 grams (22 and 35 ounces).
Plumage Sexual Dimorphism
Males and females have similar plumage.
Adult Head and Neck Coloration
Adults have dark rufous coloring on the head, neck, and chest, with a white stripe running down the center of the foreneck.
Adult Body Plumage
The rest of the upperparts are brownish with fine black vermiculations; the belly and vent are buffy-brown, and the flanks are barred black and white.
Adult Tail Features
The tail is black with narrow white barring.
Adult Bill and Leg Coloration
Its stout bill ranges from yellowish to dusky, and its legs are dull green.
Adult Facial Bare Part Coloration
The irides, loral skin, and orbital ring are bright yellow.
Unique Feather Trait
Unlike other tiger herons, this species has no powder down feathers on its back.
Juvenile Overall Plumage
Juvenile rufescent tiger herons are rusty-buff overall, with coarse black barring; the buff and black banding on the wings is particularly noticeable.
Juvenile Underpart Coloration
The throat, central chest, and belly of juveniles are white.
Plumage Maturation Period
It takes about five years for the species to develop full adult plumage.
Geographical Distribution
The rufescent tiger heron lives in wetlands from Central America through much of South America.
Elevation Range
It most often occurs below 500 m (1,600 ft), though there are recorded sightings up to 1,600 m (5,200 ft) in Colombia.
Aquatic Prey Components
Because it spends most of its time near water, much of the rufescent tiger heron's diet is made up of aquatic prey, including fish, crustaceans, water beetles, and dragonfly larvae.
Terrestrial Prey Components
It also eats adult dragonflies and grasshoppers.
Hunting Behavior
It usually hunts alone, standing hunched in shallow pools or wet forest areas while it waits for prey.
