American Bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus
Botaurus lentiginosus 4
Although not particularly small (around 23 inches), the American Bittern’s mottled brown plumage and short, thick build provide it with excellent camouflage in its heavily vegetated habitat. This heron may be best identified by its coloration, short yellow legs, white throat, and black neck stripes. Male and female American Bitterns are similar to one another in all seasons. The American Bittern breeds widely across the northern United States and the southern half of Canada. In winter, American Bitterns migrate to coastal areas of the United States south to Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. This species may be found all year along the Pacific coast as well as in the Mid-Atlantic Region. American Bitterns breed primarily in shallow, heavily-vegetated freshwater wetlands. In winter, this species utilizes many of the same habitat types as in summer, but some bitterns wintering close to the coast may be found in brackish water. American Bitterns primarily eat animal matter, both invertebrates (mainly insects) and vertebrates (including fish, amphibians, and small mammals). Due to its short stature and the nature of its habitat, American Bitterns are difficult to observe while feeding or standing still. Bitterns may be more visible in the air, undertaking short flights above the top of the marsh grass. This species is primarily active during the day.
Conservation status 5
The American Bittern population is undergoing a substantial decline due to loss and degredation of habitat. The species was listed as a Nongame Species of Management Concern by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in 1982 and 1987. It is listed as a species of special concern in the state of Michigan. Eutrophication, siltation, chemical contamination, and human disturbance have significantly reduced habitat quality by damaging the food supply. Changes in wetland isolation and stabilized water regimes are also eroding habitat quality. Acid rain is also another significant threat to the species due to its damaging effects on wetlands.
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern
US Migratory Bird Act: protected
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
State of Michigan List: special concern
Sources and Credits
- (c) Mike Leveille, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Leveille
- (c) Steve Deger, some rights reserved (CC BY), https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/American_Bittern%2C_Itasca_Cty%2C_MN.jpg/460px-American_Bittern%2C_Itasca_Cty%2C_MN.jpg
- (c) Greg Lasley, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Greg Lasley
- Adapted by Natalie LaScala from a work by (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/34818315
- (c) The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/25063634
