Bird Gallery Index

Least Bittern image © Wayne Nicholas

Family:  (Ardeidae) Herons, Egrets and Bitterns

Preferred Habitat:  Marshes

Seasonal Occurrence:   Most likely to be seen June through August. Occasionally found at other times. Breeds in our area.

Notes: The Least Bittern is a small, secretive lurker in dense marshes. Extremely difficult to spot, if it senses danger, it mimics marsh vegetation by freezing in place with bill pointing directly overhead. It is most likely seen as it flies low over marshes. Its call, a soft coo, coo, coo, is most likely heard at dusk in spring.
- Susan Billetdeaux