This is a species of heron in the family Ardeidae.
It is found in wetlands from Central America through much of South America.
It is a medium-sized heron, measuring 26–30 in (66–76 cm) in length, with a mass between 630 and 980 g (22 and 35 oz).
The sexes are similarly plumaged. The adult's head, neck and chest are dark rufous, with a white stripe down the center of the foreneck.
The remainder of its upperparts are brownish with fine black vermiculations, its belly and vent are buffy-brown, and its flanks are barred black and white.
Its tail is black, narrowly barred with white. Its stout bill is yellowish to dusky, and its legs are dull green.
Its irides, loral skin and orbital ring are bright yellow.
Unlike other tiger herons, it has no powder down feathers on its back.