This medium-sized heron is often seen along fast-flowing rocky rivers and streams, usually at higher elevations than other tiger-herons. Almost always seen singly, standing on a rock in the middle or on the edge of a river. Adults are gray with fine black barring down the entire head, neck, and wings. Juveniles are buffy with uneven black barring. Juveniles essentially identical to juvenile Rufescent Tiger-Heron, but note different habitat.