The white-crested tiger heron, also known as the white-crested bittern, is a species of heron in the monotypic genus Tigriornis and a member of the family Ardeidae. It is widely distributed across the African tropical rainforest, often occurring near small streams and marshes. This heron exhibits unobtrusive black, brown and buff coloration and possesses a white crest, which may be viewed when erected. Not much is known about this heron or its behaviors, although it is known to feed on the small fish, crustaceans, frogs, snakes and insects which inhabit rivers or river shores. Despite its elusiveness, it is found over a broad range and has been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as "Least Concern". Due to threats such as habitat destruction and poaching for use in medicine, its population has been decreasing over time.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Found in lowland tropical rainforests from West Africa east through the Congo Basin, favoring quiet, shaded streams, forested swamps, and riverine thickets. It keeps close to dense cover, perching on fallen logs or overhanging branches while hunting. It avoids open wetlands and human-disturbed banks, relying on deep shade for camouflage. Records span multiple countries where continuous rainforest persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive heron is the sole member of the genus Tigriornis and inhabits dense African rainforest streams and swamps. Its white crest is usually concealed and raised only in display or alarm. Mostly active at dusk and night, it is more often heard than seen. Its presence can indicate relatively intact, shaded forest waterways.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short, heavy flights through cover with strong wingbeats, usually low over water
Social Behavior
Usually solitary except during breeding. Nests are small stick platforms placed low over water or in dense riverine vegetation. Clutch size is small and both adults are believed to attend the nest. The species relies on stillness and cover rather than flight to avoid detection.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are low, booming hoots and gruff, barking notes, mostly delivered at dusk or night. Calls carry through forested waterways and may be spaced, single notes rather than continuous sequences.
Plumage
Cryptic, finely barred and vermiculated brown, black, and buff plumage with a concealed white crest that can be erected. Underparts show dense barring; upperparts are darker and mottled for strong camouflage in dappled forest light.
Diet
Feeds on small fish, crustaceans, amphibians, aquatic insects, and occasional small reptiles such as snakes. Hunts by standing motionless at stream edges or from low perches, striking quickly at passing prey. Will also probe among leaf litter and submerged roots in shaded pools.
Preferred Environment
Shaded forest streams, oxbows, and swamp-forest channels with abundant overhanging vegetation. Prefers quiet, slow-moving water with fallen logs and tangles that provide ambush cover.
