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American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus ORDER: CICONIIFORMES FAMILY: ARDEIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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American Bittern Photo

© William L. Newton / CLO

A stocky and well-camouflaged heron of dense reed beds, the American Bittern is difficult to see. Its far-carrying booming call is distinctive, but the bittern itself likes to keep under cover.

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At a GlanceHelp

Measurements
Both Sexes
Length
23.6–33.5 in
60–85 cm
Wingspan
36.2 in
92 cm
Weight
13.1–17.6 oz
370–500 g
Other Names
  • Butor d'Amérique (French)
  • Torcomón, Avetoro lentiginoso (Spanish)

Habitat


Marsh
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Food


Fish
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Nesting

Nest Placement

Ground
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Behavior


Stalking
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Conservation

status via IUCN

Least Concern
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Credits

  • Gibbs, J. P. , S. Melvin, and F. A. Reid. 1992. American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus). In The Birds of North America, No. 18 (A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill, Eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, DC: The American Ornithologists¿ Union.
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Range Map Help

American Bittern Range Map
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