Brazilian name: socó-boi
The Rufescent Tiger-heron is found from Honduras in Central America to northern Argentina. See the distribution map at Birdlife International. It tends to hide in the undergrowth on the banks of rivers during the day being mainly crepuscular in its habits. It captures prey using the technique known as "Standing Still". Photo 3 shows a typical hunting stance.
The immature is very different with broad black barring on a browny-buff base. Sick says that it takes 2 years to reach adult plumage while Hilty & Brown say that this can take about 5 years. Photo 4 shows a young juvenile while photo 5 shows an older juvenile.
The Brazilian name translates as "cow heron" and reflects the mooing sound of the birds call.
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