American Bittern

Heron Species Types of Birds Heron Pictures

The American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) is a medium sized wading bird, about two feet tall, with a wing span almost double its size.

Four species of Botaurus, or Brown Bitterns, have been identified world wide. As the name suggests, mature adults have brown feathered bodies with white stripes. All have a habit of being secretive birds that freeze and pose with their bills upright when they sense danger.

Most people are more likely to hear one rather than see one. They sound like water pumps.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) lists the Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) as endangered. Aggregate population levels for the other three species are considered as stable.

American Bitterns are migratory birds, spending winters in the southern coastal areas, moving as far north as Canada during summer breeding season.

© 2008. Patricia A. Michaels