Bird Guide

Capped Heron vs Fasciated Tiger Heron

Capped Heron (Pilherodius pileatus)

Capped Heron

Pilherodius pileatus

Large569 gWetland

This species is very distinct from other herons, being the only one with a blue beak and face, and a black crown. The belly, chest, and neck are covered with yellowish-white or light-cream feathers. The wings and back are covered with white feathers. Three to four white long feathers extend from the black crown. No sexual dimorphism in color or brightness has been noted. The body length of an adult varies between 510 and 590 mm, the wing chords between 263 and 280 mm, the tail between 95 and 103 mm, and the tarsus between 92 and 99 mm. The weight of an adult varies between 444 and 632 g.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Ron Knight from Seaford, East Sussex, United Kingdom · CC BY 2.0
Fasciated Tiger Heron (Tigrisoma fasciatum)

Fasciated Tiger Heron

Tigrisoma fasciatum

Large850 gRiverine

At 23–25 in (58–64 cm) in length, the fasciated tiger heron is the smallest of the three tiger herons. The adult's crown is black, and the sides of its face are slaty gray. Its neck and upperparts are black, with widely spaced, fine, pale buff stripes. Its abdomen is grayish-cinnamon to warm brown, and its flanks are gray. Its beak, which is shorter and stouter than those of other tiger herons, is black above and yellowish-green below, with a slightly arched culmen. Its irides are yellow. Voice: Nothing is known about the vocalizations of this species.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Chrissy McClarren and Andy Reago · CC0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Capped Heron and Fasciated Tiger Heron.