The fasciated tiger heron is a species of heron in the family Ardeidae. It is present in southern Central America and parts of northern and central South America, where its natural habitat is rivers.
Region
Southern Central America and the northern to central Andes
Typical Environment
Found from southern Central America into northern and central South America, primarily along shaded, boulder-strewn rivers in foothill and montane forests. It favors fast-flowing streams, rocky riffles, and forested river gorges, often within intact humid forest. Unlike many herons, it rarely uses open wetlands or marshes away from forested rivers. Individuals maintain linear territories along stretches of stream and may return to the same perches repeatedly.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiger-heron specializes in fast, rocky forest rivers where it hunts by standing motionless on boulders and striking at prey. Its bold black-and-white barring provides excellent camouflage among ripples and shadows. It is generally shy and sensitive to disturbance, often flushing low along the river corridor. Some authorities split a Central American form (Salmon’s Tiger-Heron) from this species.
Tigrisoma fasciatum illustrated by Joseph Smit
The fasciated tiger heron is typically found along fast-moving streams.
An individual seem in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short, heavy flights with steady wingbeats along river courses
Social Behavior
Typically encountered alone or as pairs along linear river territories. Nests are stick platforms placed in trees near water, with a small clutch usually of two eggs. Courtship is subdued, with mutual calling and display postures near favored perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Usually quiet, but gives low booming hoots, grunts, and harsh croaks, especially at dawn and dusk. Alarm calls are rough squawks as it flushes low over the river.
Plumage
Heavily barred (fasciated) black-and-white to grey pattern across neck, breast, and back with a finely patterned appearance.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small fish, crabs and crayfish, aquatic insects, and amphibians taken by sudden strikes. It hunts by standing motionless on rocks or in shallow margins, watching for prey moving in currents. It may also stalk slowly along riffles and pools and will reposition frequently between vantage points.
Preferred Environment
Shaded, fast-flowing forest streams with abundant boulders, riffles, and clear pools. Often perches on exposed midstream rocks or logs where visibility is good but cover is close by.
