The wing coverts are black with fine white vermiculations. The upper parts are cinnamon-brown finely marked with dark brown vermiculations. The venter is brownish-black with vermiculations. The name derives from the pronounced vermiculations, which evoke the stripes of a tiger. Color pattern is generally dark brown with either darker spots or lighter spots or vermiculations. The sexes are similar, but immatures lack the vermiculations. Her wing coverts are pale brown, with dusky vermiculations. His primaries are blackish, with black and white vermiculations on the wing coverts. The juvenile is similar to the adults, but has duller legs and clearer vermiculations. The vermiculations on the crown are fine giving it a nearly uniform shade. Breeding females have brown upper parts, and have white vermiculations on their back. Some orange vermiculations may occur on the head, and the lower jaw may be red.