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Least Bittern
(Ixobrychus exilis)

    
        
 

Least Bittern Information
                                               
Length:  11 - 14"

Habitat:  Freshwater marshes, swamps, bogs, marshy edges of lakes and rivers. Sometimes found in saltwater marshes. Requires habitat with tall, dense, aquatic vegetation such as cattails, sedges, and reeds.

Diet:  Mostly small fish; also large insects, frogs, tadpoles, salamanders, crayfish, leeches, snakes; occasionally, small mammals such

 Least Bittern
Photo © Don DesJardin
as shrews and mice. Click to enlarge
 
Least Bittern ID TipsIdentification tips for the Least Bittern
 
Range Maps:
(Click map to enlarge.)
 
Least Bittern Breeding Map Least Bittern Winter Map      USGS
     
Breeding Map          Winter Map (CBC)     
 
Note:  This bird is a rare breeder in New England - and even then breeds only in very localized areas.
 
Additional photos and information:

Aquatic Environments
Photo, description, distribution, reproduction, ecology, behavior, vocalization.

Mike Danzenbaker's Bird Photography
Photo of Least Bittern.
 
     
   

 

 
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