AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Tigrisoma mexicanum
Bare-throated Tiger-Heron
Swainson, 1834
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A robust, medium-to-large wading bird. Adults feature a finely barred pattern resembling a tiger’s coat, with a distinctive bare, greenish-yellow throat. Juveniles have a vastly different plumage, marked with broad cinnamon and black banding.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Pelecaniformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Ardeidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Tigrisoma
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Swainson, 1834
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Wet Season
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits primarily coastal areas, mangroves, estuaries, lowland river edges, and freshwater marshes.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a solitary and patient hunter. It remains motionless for long periods at the water’s edge or perched on low branches, waiting to ambush its prey.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
A markedly solitary species. It is rarely seen in groups, except during the breeding season or when there is an unusual concentration of prey.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Piscivore and wading carnivore. It uses the sit-and-wait hunting technique.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
It acts as a mid-sized apex predator in wetland ecosystems, controlling populations of fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and large insects.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Builds bulky stick nests in trees or mangroves, generally nesting solitarily rather than in large mixed colonies like other herons. Both parents share incubation duties.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
70.0 - 80.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
900 g - 1.20 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 3
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
2 - 3 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
28 - 34
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males10 - 15 Years
Females10 - 15 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Cryptic camouflage: Its barred plumage allows it to blend perfectly among the dry branches and reeds of its environment.
Harpoon bill: It possesses a long, thick, and sharp bill, ideal for spearing fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss: The destruction of mangroves and the drainage of wetlands for agricultural or urban development drastically reduce its territory.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Deep territorial call: Unlike other herons, it emits a very deep, guttural territorial sound resembling a hoarse roar or moo, similar to that of a tiger or a cow.