Bare-throated Tiger Heron

1. Bird Name: Bare-throated Tiger Heron
Scientific Name: Tigrisoma mexicanum

2. Appearance: The Bare-throated Tiger Heron is known for its striking plumage, which is a cascade of grey, brown, and white feathers. Their name comes from the bold, black stripes on its chest and belly that resemble a tiger’s stripes. This bird is identified by its long, gray neck and the bare, yellowish section of its throat, which stands out against its darker body color. The heron has a sharp downward curved beak ideal for fishing, and deep, yellow eyes. There is slight sexual dimorphism with females generally being slightly smaller and less vibrantly colored than their male counterparts.

3. Size: They are a fairly large species of heron, with an average length of 80 cm (approximately 31 inches). The wingspan ranges between 112 to 125 cm (44-49 inches). And on weight, they range from 1.2 to 1.8 kg (2.6 – 4 lb).

4. Habitat & Distribution: Bare-throated Tiger Herons are found throughout Central and South America, inhabiting countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, and Colombia. They are typically found in coastal regions and along waterways within tropical rainforests, and mangroves. They can also inhabit freshwater wetlands, lagoons, and marshes.

5. Interesting Facts: One notable behavior of the Bare-throated Tiger Heron is its hunting technique, where it stands stock-still, watching for prey in the water, and then strikes with lightning speed. This bird is a solitary bird, often found alone, except during the breeding season. Its notable appearance has established cultural significance in many Mayan folklore where it is considered a bridge between the physical and spiritual world.

6. Diet: They primarily feed on a diet of fish, crustaceans, amphibians, insects, and small rodents.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Bare-throated Tiger Herons live a mostly solitary existence except during mating seasons. They construct their nests high up in trees near the water and lay 2-3 eggs. Their flight pattern is slow and methodical, often flying low over water. Their vocalizations include hoarse croaks and clucks, often heard during breeding season or when disturbed.

8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Bare-throated Tiger Heron is currently of “Least Concern” and not believed to be close to meeting the criteria for being vulnerable or endangered. However, like many species, they face pressures from habitat destruction.

9. Lifespan: An average lifespan for a Bare-throated Tiger Heron is between 15 – 20 years both in the wild and captivity, provided they evade predators and disease.

10. Additional Notes: The Bare-throated Tiger Heron bird holds a place of importance within many Central and South American cultures. Locally, it’s also known by many names including “Garza Tigre Cuellinuda” in Spanish. This bird species also plays a significant role in maintaining its ecosystem and acts as a natural control for particular species, contributing to biodiversity by keeping populations in check. They are generally not harmful to human interests and may even be beneficial by eating problematic species such as rats.