Yellow Bittern
NameYellow Bittern
Common NameYellow Bittern
Scientific NameIxobrychus sinensis
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)45
Length (cm)36
Weight (g)130
Plumage DetailsMales have a distinctive black cap, yellowish-buff underparts, and a rufous-brown back with black flight feathers visible in flight. Females and immatures are generally duller, with a streaked brown crown and back, and more heavily streaked underparts, lacking the distinct black cap of the male.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations typically consist of a series of low, croaking or booming notes, often given at dusk or dawn, described as 'kwok-kwok-kwok' or 'coo-roo-coo'.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across East, Southeast, and South Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Some populations are migratory.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size for a heron, Yellowish-buff plumage, Black cap (males), Streaked brown crown and back (females/immatures), Long, greenish-yellow bill, Secretive behavior in dense wetland vegetation
Description
The Yellow Bittern is a small, secretive heron typically found in dense wetland vegetation. It is often seen stalking small aquatic prey, moving slowly and deliberately through reeds and water plants.
