American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)

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American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)

Photo credit: monterey-bay.net

Length: 28 in. Wingspan: 42 in.
Habitat: Non-colonially in freshwater wetlands with tall vegetation.
Range: Southern Canada and Northern U.S., rarely in Southern U.S. Winters on Pacific Coast as far north as Puget Sound, in Southern U.S. Mexico, and Cuba.

One of the most distinctive and graceful bird families, the Ardeidae played a major role in the formation of the American conservation movement. Wading bird populations were decimated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when it was fashionable for women to wear hats adorned with feathers, wings, or even entire stuffed birds .

Worldwide, 60 to 65 species of this family are recognized, of which 17 species occur in North America. They are often divided into 3 groups: bitterns (3), herons and egrets (12), and night-herons (2). American Bittern numbers may be declining due to wetland loss and degradation.

he American Bittern is a large brown stocky heron with a thick neck and short legs. Sexes are similar. Brown upperparts are finely flecked with black. Brown head with darker cap; yellow eyes and bill; legs and feet pale greenish or yellow

The American Bittern is rarely seen in saline marshes. It attempts concealment by pointing its bill upwards; it may sway its head and neck back and forth to mimic wind-rustled vegetation. It is detected primarily by its eerie "pumping" vocalizations. It feeds on a variety of aquatic prey.