Herons, Egrets

American Bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus

Family Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets)

Size: 27"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Marshy areas with dense vegetation

The American bittern is a fairly large, secretive heron with a small head, a long, straight bill, and a thick body. It has a habit of standing still with its neck and bill pointed straight up to imitate the surrounding reeds. Its plumage is very cryptic: Above, it is variegated brown and tan, and below, it is pale brown or whitish with thick rust-colored streaking that extends up the neck. The bill is yellow green and dark on the upper mandible. A dark patch extends from the lower bill to the upper neck. The legs are yellow green and thick. American bitterns skulk slowly through reeds and grasses to catch frogs, insects, and invertebrates. The adult is illustrated.