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{{speciesbox
{{speciesbox
| name = White-crested tiger heron
| name = White-crested tiger heron
| image = Naturalis Biodiversity Center - ZMA.AVES.54626 - Tigriornis leucolophus Jardine, 1846 - Ardeidae - skin specimen.jpeg
| image = White-crested Tiger-Heron - Ankasa - Ghana 14 S4E2068 (16010535898).jpg
| status = LC
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_system = IUCN3.1
Line 10: Line 10:
| species = leucolopha
| species = leucolopha
| authority = ([[William Jardine (naturalist)|Jardine]], 1846)
| authority = ([[William Jardine (naturalist)|Jardine]], 1846)
| range_map = Tigriornis leucolopha map.svg
| display_parents = 2
| display_parents = 2
| synonyms = ''Tigriornis leucolophus'' (Jardine, 1846) [orthographic error]}}
| synonyms = ''Tigriornis leucolophus'' (Jardine, 1846)
}}


The '''white-crested tiger heron''' ('''''Tigriornis leucolopha'''''), also known as the '''white-crested bittern''', is a species of heron in the [[Monotypic taxon|monotypic genus]] '''''Tigriornis''''' and a member of the family [[Heron|Ardeidae]]. It is widely distributed across the [[Tropical forest|African tropical rainforest]], often occurring near small streams and marshes.<ref name=":0">BirdLife International (2018). ''"[https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22697277/130188990 Tigriornis leucolopha]"''. ''[[IUCN Red List|IUCN Red List of Threatened Species]]''. 2018: e.T22697277A130188990. [[Digital object identifier|doi]]:[https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22697277/130188990 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22697277A130188990.en]. Retrieved 12 November 2021.</ref> This heron exhibits unobtrusive black, brown and buff coloration and possesses a white crest, which may be viewed when erected.<ref name=":1">“White-Crested Tiger-Heron.” HeronConservation, 2010, [https://www.heronconservation.org/herons-of-the-world/list-of-herons/white-crested-tiger-heron/. https://www.heronconservation.org/herons-of-the-world/list-of-herons/white-crested-tiger-heron/.]</ref> Not much is known about this heron or its behaviors, although it is known to feed on the small [[fish]], [[Crustacean|crustaceans]], [[Frog|frogs]], [[Snake|snakes]] and insects which inhabit rivers or river shores.<ref name=":1" /> Despite its elusiveness, it is found over a broad range and has been assessed by the [[IUCN Red List|International Union for Conservation of Nature]] as "Least Concern". Due to threats such as [[habitat destruction]] and [[poaching]] for use in medicine, its population has been decreasing over time.<ref name=":0" />
The '''white-crested tiger heron''' ('''''Tigriornis leucolopha'''''), also known as the '''white-crested bittern''', is a species of [[heron]] in the family [[Ardeidae]]. It is in the [[monotypic]] [[genus]] '''''Tigriornis'''''. It is widely distributed across the [[Tropical forest|African tropical rainforest]].


==References==
== Description ==
The white-crested tiger heron possesses a distinct appearance, including a slender elongated body, standing at around 66 to 80 centimeters tall (25–31 in).<ref name=":1" /> Its plumage is relatively dull, and consists of brown, buff and rufous plumage, along with black barring. The exception to its dull plumage lies in its brilliant white crest, although not much is known about its uses. The nape along with the sides of its head and neck are light rufous with black barring, while the mantle, scapulars and rump possess rufous, buff and brown coloration, with bold black bars.<ref name=":2">“White-Crested Tiger Heron.” BirdForum, 5 Oct. 2012, [https://www.birdforum.net/opus/White-&#x20;crested_Tiger_Heron https://]https://www.birdforum.net/opus/White-crested_Tiger_Heron</ref> Females possess a more dull coloration, including narrow buff barring and a pink cinnamon coloration on the underside.<ref name=":3">Admin. “White-Crested Tiger Heron (Tigrornis Leucolopha).” Planet of Birds, 25 Sept. 2011, https://planetofbirds.com/ciconiiformes-ardeidae-white-crested-tiger-heron-tigriornis-leucolopha</ref> The legs, along with the eye and part of the bill are yellow with black highlights.<ref name=":2" /> Chicks originally possess yellow down, which turns to white before molting.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4">Kirtland, C.A.E. and Rogers, E.P. (1997). "First record and nesting of White-crested Tiger-Heron Tigriornis leucolophus in The Gambia." Bull. ''African Bird Club''. '''4''' (2): 105-106.</ref>
{{Reflist}}

== Taxonomy ==
This bird was first described in 1846 by Scottish ornithologist and naturalist [[Sir William Jardine, 7th Baronet|Sir William Jardine]], who classified it as "''Tigrornis leucolophus''."<ref name=":5">“Tigriornis Sharpe, 1895.” Global Biodiversity Information Facility, https://www.gbif.org/species/2480827. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.</ref><ref>“Tigriornis leucolopha.” [https://mindat.org Mindat.org], https://www.mindat.org/taxon-5789312.html. Accessed 22 Sept. 2024.</ref> However, it was only fully taxonomized around 50 years later in 1895, by English zoologist and ornithologist [[Richard Bowdler Sharpe]]. Sharpe designated ''Tigrornis'' as a monotypic genus, rather than categorizing the heron into another genus such as ''Tigrosoma'', which contains other birds also described as 'tiger herons.'<ref name=":5" /><ref>“Tigriornis.” [https://mindat.org Mindat.org], https://www.mindat.org/taxon-2480827.html. Accessed 22 Sept. 2024.</ref> Sharpe also renamed the heron "''Tigrornis leucolopha''," as opposed to "''leucolophus''." This classification stands to this day.

== Distribution and habitat ==
This heron ranges throughout a large expanse of western and central Africa, spanning across the African tropical rainforest.<ref>Sheldon, Frederick H, et al. (1995). "[https://academic.oup.com/auk/article/112/3/672/5168630 Phylogenetic Relationships of the Zigzag Heron (Zebrilus Undulatus) and White-Crested Bittern (Tigriornis Leucolophus) Estimated by DNA-DNA Hybridization]." The Auk, '''112''' (3), 672-679.</ref> It is not migratory, and spends nearly all of its time along bodies of streams, marshes and swampy areas within the forest.<ref name=":6">Martínez-Vilalta, A., A. Motis, and G. M. Kirwan (2020). White-crested Tiger-Heron (''Tigriornis leucolopha''), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. [https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/whcbit1/1.0/introduction https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.whcbit1.01]</ref> However, incidents of vagrancy have been reported in the country of [[Mauritania]].<ref name=":0" />

== Behavior ==
Due to its elusiveness, not much is known regarding this heron's behavioral aspects. However, this bird has been seen regularly foraging near water in dense lowland forests and mangrove ecosystems.<ref name=":7">“White-Crested Tiger-Heron.” eBird, https://ebird.org/species/whcbit1. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024.</ref> It is a carnivorous solitary feeder, primarily foraging for a wide range of fish, crabs, crayfish, frogs, snakes, spiders and insects.<ref name=":7" /> This heron is primarily nocturnal and is most active at dawn and dusk.<ref name=":2" /> Its booming call is similar to most large bitterns, and it may take the form of a single- or double-noted sound.<ref name=":7" /> When disturbed, the heron exhibits a bittern posture, pointing its bill up while stretching out its wings.<ref name=":1" /> This heron is largely sedentary, despite certain reports of migratory movements or vagrancy.<ref name=":3" />

Very little is known of this bird's breeding habits, although it is speculated that these birds nest during the rainy season.<ref name=":1" /> Egg laying dates vary greatly, and have been documented as September–October in [[Sierra Leone]], October in [[Liberia]], May in [[Cameroon]] and January in [[Gabon]].<ref name=":4" /><ref>Gatter, W. (1997). Birds of Liberia. Pica Press, Aula-Verlag and Yale University Press, Robertsbridge, UK; Wiesbaden, Germany; and New Haven, CT, USA.</ref><ref name=":8">Kushlan, James A., and James A. Hancock. ''[https://academic.oup.com/book/51137 Herons: bird families of the world]''. Oxford University Press, 2005.</ref> Eggs have been observed during separate periods from September–October to December–January.<ref name=":9">Demey, R., P. Herroelen, and T. Pedersen (2000). "[https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/part/76658 Additions and annotations to the avifauna of Congo-Kinshasa (ex-Zaïre)]." Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club '''120''' (3), 154-172.</ref> The periods in which hatchlings have been observed also varies greatly. Hatchlings have been documented during the periods of October, December–January and May–June.<ref name=":9" /> Only three nests have been described to date, all featuring fragile platforms of twigs 2 to 6 meters (6 to 19 ft) above water.<ref name=":6" /> Reports of eggs have described their coloration as beige-yellow with purple, blue-gray and reddish-brown markings.<ref name=":8" /> These eggs have been reported as 55 x 45 millimeters (2.2 x 1.8 in) in size, and the incubation period has been documented at around 29 days long.<ref name=":6" />

== Status ==
Due to the elusiveness of this bird, little is known regarding its conservation status. Despite this, it has been assessed repeatedly by the IUCN Red List, and was given the conservation status of Least Concern in 2005.<ref name=":0" /> However, the heron is only classified as Least Concern due to the fact that it does not meet the thresholds for "Vulnerable." This is solely due to the range size, although population dynamics may also be a contributing factor. As of 2018, the population has been estimated at around 25,000 to 100,000 individuals.<ref name=":0" /> The species has also been assessed as a declining population do to habitat loss, although this is subject to further confirmation. Habitat loss functions as the most significant threat to this species, along with poaching for use in medicine.<ref name=":6" />{{Reflist}}


{{Pelecaniformes genera|A.|state=collapsed}}
{{Pelecaniformes genera|A.|state=collapsed}}

Revision as of 22:27, 23 October 2024

White-crested tiger heron
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Ardeidae
Subfamily: Tigriornithinae
Genus: Tigriornis
Sharpe, 1895
Species:
T. leucolopha
Binomial name
Tigriornis leucolopha
(Jardine, 1846)
Synonyms

Tigriornis leucolophus (Jardine, 1846)

The white-crested tiger heron (Tigriornis leucolopha), also known as the white-crested bittern, is a species of heron in the monotypic genus Tigriornis and a member of the family Ardeidae. It is widely distributed across the African tropical rainforest, often occurring near small streams and marshes.[2] This heron exhibits unobtrusive black, brown and buff coloration and possesses a white crest, which may be viewed when erected.[3] Not much is known about this heron or its behaviors, although it is known to feed on the small fish, crustaceans, frogs, snakes and insects which inhabit rivers or river shores.[3] Despite its elusiveness, it is found over a broad range and has been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as "Least Concern". Due to threats such as habitat destruction and poaching for use in medicine, its population has been decreasing over time.[2]

Description

The white-crested tiger heron possesses a distinct appearance, including a slender elongated body, standing at around 66 to 80 centimeters tall (25–31 in).[3] Its plumage is relatively dull, and consists of brown, buff and rufous plumage, along with black barring. The exception to its dull plumage lies in its brilliant white crest, although not much is known about its uses. The nape along with the sides of its head and neck are light rufous with black barring, while the mantle, scapulars and rump possess rufous, buff and brown coloration, with bold black bars.[4] Females possess a more dull coloration, including narrow buff barring and a pink cinnamon coloration on the underside.[5] The legs, along with the eye and part of the bill are yellow with black highlights.[4] Chicks originally possess yellow down, which turns to white before molting.[3][6]

Taxonomy

This bird was first described in 1846 by Scottish ornithologist and naturalist Sir William Jardine, who classified it as "Tigrornis leucolophus."[7][8] However, it was only fully taxonomized around 50 years later in 1895, by English zoologist and ornithologist Richard Bowdler Sharpe. Sharpe designated Tigrornis as a monotypic genus, rather than categorizing the heron into another genus such as Tigrosoma, which contains other birds also described as 'tiger herons.'[7][9] Sharpe also renamed the heron "Tigrornis leucolopha," as opposed to "leucolophus." This classification stands to this day.

Distribution and habitat

This heron ranges throughout a large expanse of western and central Africa, spanning across the African tropical rainforest.[10] It is not migratory, and spends nearly all of its time along bodies of streams, marshes and swampy areas within the forest.[11] However, incidents of vagrancy have been reported in the country of Mauritania.[2]

Behavior

Due to its elusiveness, not much is known regarding this heron's behavioral aspects. However, this bird has been seen regularly foraging near water in dense lowland forests and mangrove ecosystems.[12] It is a carnivorous solitary feeder, primarily foraging for a wide range of fish, crabs, crayfish, frogs, snakes, spiders and insects.[12] This heron is primarily nocturnal and is most active at dawn and dusk.[4] Its booming call is similar to most large bitterns, and it may take the form of a single- or double-noted sound.[12] When disturbed, the heron exhibits a bittern posture, pointing its bill up while stretching out its wings.[3] This heron is largely sedentary, despite certain reports of migratory movements or vagrancy.[5]

Very little is known of this bird's breeding habits, although it is speculated that these birds nest during the rainy season.[3] Egg laying dates vary greatly, and have been documented as September–October in Sierra Leone, October in Liberia, May in Cameroon and January in Gabon.[6][13][14] Eggs have been observed during separate periods from September–October to December–January.[15] The periods in which hatchlings have been observed also varies greatly. Hatchlings have been documented during the periods of October, December–January and May–June.[15] Only three nests have been described to date, all featuring fragile platforms of twigs 2 to 6 meters (6 to 19 ft) above water.[11] Reports of eggs have described their coloration as beige-yellow with purple, blue-gray and reddish-brown markings.[14] These eggs have been reported as 55 x 45 millimeters (2.2 x 1.8 in) in size, and the incubation period has been documented at around 29 days long.[11]

Status

Due to the elusiveness of this bird, little is known regarding its conservation status. Despite this, it has been assessed repeatedly by the IUCN Red List, and was given the conservation status of Least Concern in 2005.[2] However, the heron is only classified as Least Concern due to the fact that it does not meet the thresholds for "Vulnerable." This is solely due to the range size, although population dynamics may also be a contributing factor. As of 2018, the population has been estimated at around 25,000 to 100,000 individuals.[2] The species has also been assessed as a declining population do to habitat loss, although this is subject to further confirmation. Habitat loss functions as the most significant threat to this species, along with poaching for use in medicine.[11]

  1. ^ BirdLife International (2018). "Tigriornis leucolopha". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T22697277A130188990. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22697277A130188990.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e BirdLife International (2018). "Tigriornis leucolopha". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T22697277A130188990. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22697277A130188990.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d e f “White-Crested Tiger-Heron.” HeronConservation, 2010, https://www.heronconservation.org/herons-of-the-world/list-of-herons/white-crested-tiger-heron/.
  4. ^ a b c “White-Crested Tiger Heron.” BirdForum, 5 Oct. 2012, https://https://www.birdforum.net/opus/White-crested_Tiger_Heron
  5. ^ a b Admin. “White-Crested Tiger Heron (Tigrornis Leucolopha).” Planet of Birds, 25 Sept. 2011, https://planetofbirds.com/ciconiiformes-ardeidae-white-crested-tiger-heron-tigriornis-leucolopha
  6. ^ a b Kirtland, C.A.E. and Rogers, E.P. (1997). "First record and nesting of White-crested Tiger-Heron Tigriornis leucolophus in The Gambia." Bull. African Bird Club. 4 (2): 105-106.
  7. ^ a b “Tigriornis Sharpe, 1895.” Global Biodiversity Information Facility, https://www.gbif.org/species/2480827. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
  8. ^ “Tigriornis leucolopha.” Mindat.org, https://www.mindat.org/taxon-5789312.html. Accessed 22 Sept. 2024.
  9. ^ “Tigriornis.” Mindat.org, https://www.mindat.org/taxon-2480827.html. Accessed 22 Sept. 2024.
  10. ^ Sheldon, Frederick H, et al. (1995). "Phylogenetic Relationships of the Zigzag Heron (Zebrilus Undulatus) and White-Crested Bittern (Tigriornis Leucolophus) Estimated by DNA-DNA Hybridization." The Auk, 112 (3), 672-679.
  11. ^ a b c d Martínez-Vilalta, A., A. Motis, and G. M. Kirwan (2020). White-crested Tiger-Heron (Tigriornis leucolopha), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.whcbit1.01
  12. ^ a b c “White-Crested Tiger-Heron.” eBird, https://ebird.org/species/whcbit1. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024.
  13. ^ Gatter, W. (1997). Birds of Liberia. Pica Press, Aula-Verlag and Yale University Press, Robertsbridge, UK; Wiesbaden, Germany; and New Haven, CT, USA.
  14. ^ a b Kushlan, James A., and James A. Hancock. Herons: bird families of the world. Oxford University Press, 2005.
  15. ^ a b Demey, R., P. Herroelen, and T. Pedersen (2000). "Additions and annotations to the avifauna of Congo-Kinshasa (ex-Zaïre)." Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 120 (3), 154-172.


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