The Rufescent Tiger Heron tigrisoma lineatum, is one of the three species from the Tigrisoma genus of South America.

EZE 31Oct15 Rufescent Tiger Heron 03

Its common name indicates the rufous head, neck and breast while the latin special element describes the white markings on the throat.

EZE 31Oct15 Rufescent Tiger Heron 02

This individual was seen in Buenos Aires, at the southern extreme of its range and thus, for those who would have them split, is the T.l. marmoratum race. The nominate is found to the north, as far as southern Central America.

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Sexes are alike, but juveniles carry a cryptic, striped plumage (shared with the juvenile Fasciated and Bare-throated Tiger Herons) which conforms even more closely to the “tiger-bodied” translation of the generic name.

EZE 19May11 Rufescent Tiger-heron 02

 

Written by Redgannet
Redgannet worked for more than 35 years as a flight attendant for an international airline. He came to birding late in his career but, considering the distractions, doesn't regret the missed opportunities. He was paid to visit six continents and took full advantage of the chance to bird the world. He adopted the nom de blog, Redgannet, to avoid remonstrations from his overbearing employer, but secretly hoped that the air of mystery would make him more attractive to women. Now grounded, he is looking forward to seeing the seasons turn from a fixed point.