The American Bittern belongs to the order
Pelecaniformes and the family Ardeidae alongside herons
and egrets. These birds recently belonged to the order
Ciconiiformes with storks but were moved to their
current order due to new DNA analysis that showed
similarities with pelicans. The American Bittern is a
medium-sized bird that is about 1.5 lbs (700 g) and is
approximately 60-85 cm in length. It is cryptically
colored with an overall smudged brown/tan tone and heavy
streaking on the breast and neck, as well as a dark
patch that extends down the side of the neck. The male
and female plumages do not exhibit any major
differences, nor does its appearance vary much
throughout the year. Like other herons and egrets, they
have very long necks and bills, as well as particularly
short legs.
HABITAT/DIET
American Bitterns live and breed in freshwater
wetlands that contain a high density of tall vegetation like
bulrushes and cattails. Although they can sometimes be found
foraging in terrestrial habitats such as dry grasslands during the
winter months, they generally stay in the wetlands throughout the
entire year. The long, thick bill of the American Bittern allows it
to feed on both large and small prey which including insects
(dragonflies and waterbugs), amphibians (frogs and tadpoles), small
fish and mammals, (eels, catfish and voles) and crayfish. In
general, American Bitterns rely on stealth to capture their prey.
They stand motionless (or move very slowly) while searching for prey
and then quickly dart their bill forward to capture it.
BEHAVIOR
The American Bittern is a very solitary bird that
prefers to remain hidden and inconspicuous. When it senses that it
may be detected, it will often stand still and stretch its neck
straight up so that it blends in with the surrounding vegetation
aided by its heavy streaking. It generally stays on the ground and
walks slowly, rarely perching in trees. When two males come across
one another, they give each other a defensive display that involves
crouching and showing white shoulder plumes, often followed by an
aerial chase. In terms of breeding, American Bitterns are mainly
monogamous and form pair bonds with females when they arrive from
migration during March and early May. Males attract females through
elaborate displays and often use sound to communicate through the
thick vegetation. Their vocalizations are low-pitched and are often
described as a thunderous pumping or drumming. Nests are generally
built in standing water surrounded by thick vegetation and eggs are
laid in May and June. Females build the nests, incubate the eggs,
and feed/brood the young. Offspring are altricial and first leave
the nest after 1-2 weeks, but remain close by for another 1-2 weeks
to receive supplemental food as they learn to forage.
WHERE TO FIND THEM
The American Bittern is generally hard to find due to
their preference of staying hidden among the tall vegetation of
their habitats. They can be found in wetlands such as those in the
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge during the summer.
