First-Ever Footage of Tiger Heron Hunting and Eating a Bird

Predation Behavior Recorded at Artificial Water Reservoir

Researchers observing an artificial water reservoir in the Costa Rican city of Liberia documented the unusual hunting behavior involving a bare-throated tiger heron, scientifically known as Tigrisoma mexicanum. The stocky neotropical heron is typically recognized for its finely barred plumage and stationary hunting strategy along water edges, where it waits for prey to pass before striking.

In this specific event, the heron targeted a great kiskadee, known as Pitangus sulphuratus, which is a type of flycatcher. According to the research team led by José Manuel Mora, the heron captured the smaller bird and subjected it to repeated handling behaviors before consuming it.

Dunking and Handling Techniques Detailed in Wetlands Study

The mechanics of the predation event involved distinct handling phases that researchers captured in detail. According to the study published in Wetlands, the heron dunked the prey in the water on at least three separate occasions prior to ingestion.

During one of these phases, the heron submerged the flycatcher for approximately 16 seconds. The bird then retrieved the prey, held it in its bill, and shook it several times. These repeated handling behaviors resulted in the prey losing several feathers, primarily from the neck and chest region, before the heron finally swallowed it.

Implications for Avian Dietary Breadth and Natural History

The research suggests that if conditions allow, bare-throated tiger herons may opportunistically exploit semi-terrestrial and even terrestrial prey, including other birds.

“This record expands the known dietary breadth and behavioural repertoire of T. mexicanum and underscores the importance of detailed natural history observations for documenting rare or overlooked ecological interactions,” the researchers state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bare-throated tiger heron?

The bare-throated tiger heron (Tigrisoma mexicanum) is a stocky neotropical heron species recognized by its finely barred plumage and habit of remaining still near water edges while waiting for prey.

Where did this predation event take place?

According to the study published in Wetlands, the event occurred at an artificial water reservoir in the Costa Rican city of Liberia, located in Guanacaste.

What did the heron eat?

Researchers documented the heron capturing, dunking in water multiple times, and consuming a great kiskadee, which is a species of flycatcher.