Bare-Throated Tiger Heron in the Mangroves of Costa Rica

Have you ever seen a Bare-Throated Tiger Heron (Tigrisoma mexicanum)? They are one of the coolest herons around, with their tiger-like stripes and herringbone feathering. Length: 28 - 32 inches, Wingspan: 45 inches. Their Bark-like call can be heard throughout the mangroves.

They like to eat frogs, crabs, fish, and flies. We saw one eating a fish that was way too big to swallow. The fish was at least 8 inches. The Tiger Heron swallowed it sideways and it got stuck in its neck! We all though the bird would choke, but lo and behold….The fish finally made it’s way down the bird’s long neck and into the Tiger Heron’s belly.

We get to see all sorts of interesting wildlife in the mangroves on a daily basis. We see the babies grow up and take over their parent’s section of the mangroves. We see fights with other birds for territory. We see meal times and action. What an incredible ecosystem!