Least Bittern
NameLeast Bittern
Common NameLeast Bittern
Scientific NameIxobrychus exilis
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)43.5
Length (cm)32
Weight (g)75
Plumage DetailsMales have a glossy black cap and back, with rich rufous (chestnut) neck and wing patches, and a pale, streaky buff belly. Females are similar but with a brownish cap and back. Both sexes have yellowish-green legs and a yellowish bill.
Vocalization / CallIts primary call is a soft, cooing 'coo-coo-coo' or 'uh-uh-uh' repeated several times, often heard at dawn or dusk. It also produces harsh alarm calls when disturbed.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across much of eastern and central North America, parts of the western U.S., and throughout Central and South America. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in the southern U.S., Mexico, and Central/South America.
Identifying FeaturesSmallest North American heron/bittern, Dark cap and back (black in males, brown in females), Rufous neck and wing patches, Yellowish-green legs and bill, Secretive behavior in dense marsh vegetation, Often assumes a 'stretch pose' with bill pointed skyward when alarmed
Description
The Least Bittern is a small, secretive heron typically found in dense marsh vegetation. It is known for its cryptic plumage and habit of standing still, camouflaged among reeds, or slowly stalking prey.
