Stripe-backed Bittern
NameStripe-backed Bittern
Common NameStripe-backed Bittern
Scientific NameIxobrychus involucris
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)42
Length (cm)30.5
Weight (g)74.5
Plumage DetailsThe plumage features a brownish-grey cap and a pale buffy supercilium. Its back is dark brown with distinctive pale buffy or whitish streaks, giving it its common name. The underparts are pale buffy with bold dark brown streaks, and it has a prominent yellowish bill.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a low, booming or croaking sound, often described as a deep 'coo-coo-coo' or 'krr-krr-krr', typically heard at dusk or during the night.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across much of South America, from Colombia and Venezuela south through Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, extending west to Peru and Bolivia.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size for a bittern, Prominent pale buffy streaks on a dark brown back, Bold dark streaks on pale buffy underparts, Yellowish bill, Secretive behavior in dense wetland vegetation
Description
A small, secretive heron, the Stripe-backed Bittern is typically found in dense freshwater marshes and reedbeds. It often adopts a 'sky-pointing' posture to blend seamlessly with its reedy surroundings, making it difficult to spot.
