Bare-throated tiger heron

The bare-throated tiger heron is a captivating wading bird belonging to the heron family, Ardeidae. This bird is primarily found in regions stretching from Mexico to northwestern Colombia, and on rare occasions, it appears in the United States, particularly in Hidalgo County, Texas. Standing approximately 80 cm tall and weighing around 1,200 grams, it is a noticeable presence in its habitat.

Unlike some of its kin in the Tigrisoma genus, this heron favors open spaces such as riverbanks and lake shores. Here, it patiently waits for its next meal, which typically includes fish, frogs, or crabs.

In terms of breeding, the bare-throated tiger heron is relatively solitary. It does not usually nest in colonies like other herons. Instead, it constructs a small, flat platform of sticks in a tree and lays 2-3 greenish-white eggs.

The adult heron is easily recognizable by its bare greenish-yellow to orange throat, black crown, light grey sides of the head, and blackish upperparts that are finely barred with buff. Juveniles differ in appearance, exhibiting a buff coloration with coarse black barring and a mottled pattern on their wings.

When in flight, this heron exhibits a heavy, deliberate movement. Its call is a distinct hoarse "howk-howk-howk." Males have an additional resonant call that resembles "hrrrowwr!" often heard at sunset. During their call, their beak opens wide, and visible undulations ripple along their throat.