American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

The American Bittern is a secretive bird that likes to hide in tall grasses and wetlands. It has a long neck and a funny way of standing still, making it look like a stick!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The American Bittern has streaky brown plumage that perfectly mimics marsh reeds. It possesses bright yellow eyes and a long, sharp bill. Its patterned feathers provide excellent camouflage against its wetland home.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyArdeidaeGenusBotaurus

American Bittern

Interesting facts

The female American Bittern does all the nesting and raises her chicks alone!

These secretive birds prefer to walk slowly rather than fly when hunting!

They stand perfectly still, bill pointed skyward, to disappear instantly!

They sway their bodies gently to look like wind-blown reeds!

Special abilities

American Bitterns can freeze with their bill pointed skyward, blending seamlessly with surrounding marsh reeds, which helps them hide from predators.

American Bitterns can quickly extend their neck to stab prey with their sharp bill, which helps them catch slippery fish and frogs.

American Bitterns have a unique, low-pitched call resembling a distant pump, which helps them attract mates across vast wetlands.

Measurements & details

Length: 59-70 cm
Wingspan: 95-115 cm
Weight: 0.37-0.65 kg
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Top Speed: 40 km/h
Clutch Size: 2-6
Incubation: 24-29 days
Migration Distance: 3000 km

Diet & Feeding

This stealthy hunter mostly eats small fish, frogs, and large insects found in shallow water.

Primary Foods

small fish
frogs
salamanders
crayfish
aquatic insects
small snakes

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Green Frog

Lithobates clamitans

A common prey item in its marsh habitat.

hunts

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Actively preys on small fish in shallow water.

hunts

Common Green Darner

Anax junius

Eats large dragonflies and other aquatic insects.

eaten by

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

Adults and chicks can fall victim to this nocturnal predator.

eaten by

Coyote

Canis latrans

Mammalian predators, including coyotes, can prey on bitterns.

Traits

Feathered

Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.

Solitary

Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.

Camouflaged

Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.

Piscivorous

Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.

Ambush Predator

An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.