Hello, little Bittern!

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“Shy, secretive denizen of the marsh,” the Least Bittern (Smithsonian Handbooks, Birds of Florida, p. 65) can be very elusive. I was so happy to see this one moving about out in the open, in full view, on two recent days in a row!

The smallest (11-14″) heron in North America, the Least Bittern is also one of the smallest herons in the world (Audubon.org).

This delicate little Heron can sometimes be seen flying low across a freshwater or brackish water marsh, but otherwise it’s likely to be climbing furtively through the reeds and dense, low marsh vegetation on its long agile legs and toes.

The Least Bittern in these photos was engaging in familiar foraging behavior: “. . . clambering about in vegetation above water, and jabbing downward with its long bill to capture prey at the water’s surface.” (Audubon.org).

20 thoughts on “Hello, little Bittern!”

  3. Oh wow, how fortunate for you to see this bittern, BJ. They are nearly impossible to capture in the way you have here. Usually they are completely hidden, and often in vegetation that is the same color as them. Such an elusive bird. When I have the rare opportunity to observe a bittern, I bask in the glory of it for days. I’m smiling, happy you have had this joy, BJ. Thanks for sharing it.

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  4. Looks like he has something to hide

    On Sun, Jan 30, 2022 at 3:05 PM Birder’s Journey wrote:

    > Birder’s Journey posted: ” “Shy, secretive denizen of the marsh,” the > Least Bittern (Smithsonian Handbooks, Birds of Florida, p. 65) can be very > elusive. I was so happy to see this one moving about out in the open, in > full view, on two recent days in a row! The smallest” >

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