Rufescent Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum)

Identification & Behavior: ~71 cm (28 in). The Rufescent Tiger-Heron has a rich rufous neck, central pale streaks running down the front of the neck, and brown finely barred-gray body. Juveniles are barred buff and black.  It favors lake, creek, and swamp edges. It can be difficult to detect as it remains motionless as a defense mechanism. It is similar to Fasciated Tiger-Heron but is distinguished from this species by a rufous neck, foraging habitat. Juveniles of both species are very similar. Also, see Bare-throated Tiger-Heron.

Status: The Rufescent Tiger-Heron is rare to uncommon in the Amazonian lowlands where it is known to range up to 900 m along the Andean foothills. It may overlap with Fasciated Tiger-Heron along the foothill of the Andes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Garza-Tigre Colorada.

Sub-species: Rufescent Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum lineatum) Boddaert, 1783.

Meaning of Name: Tigrisoma: Gr. Tigris=Tiger and soma=body.  lineatum: L. lineatus, linea= marked with lines, line.

See more of the Family Ardeidae