Characterization: Large species measuring about 93cm in length. The adult's plumage is characterized by a brown neck and grayish-brown back, spotted dark-brown; it has a rather long beak. The young Rufescent Tiger Heron has a relatively short beak and pale yellow plumage with black cross bands, with a white throat and belly.

Distribution: From Central America to Bolivia and Argentina and throughout Brazil.

Habitat: Wetlands such as swamps, marshes and forest paths as well as in forest regions.

Habits: A diurnal, aquatic, and solitary species. It stands turning its wings up horizontally, an attitude that likely serves to regulate its body temperature.

Diet: Carnivorous, this bird feeds on fish, aquatic insects (and their larvae), crabs, mollusks, amphibians, and reptiles.

Breeding: This bird lays 1-2 eggs in a nest built on treetops. Breeding usually comes at the beginning or end of the dry season, when food for waterfowl is usually more plentiful.

In the UFRA area: This species of bird had an average spatial distribution, being seen in the wetlands with herbaceous plants, wetlands with riparian forests, and in drainage ditches. It is considered little frequent, as it was spotted only 7 times.