Least Bittern

Scientific name: Ixobrychus exilis

The Least Bittern is laterally compressed in form, giving it a narrow body that easily passes through dense marsh vegetation. Typically seen grasping reeds and other plant material, Least Bitterns appear to be weak flyers when flushed, although they are migratory in much of their range and so must be better flyers than observation suggests.

Threat displays and chases are used by Least Bitterns to defend nesting territories. American Bitterns sometimes nest in the same wetland without conflict. Least Bitterns sometimes nest near grackle colonies, and it is thought that they might benefit from the aggressive territory defense of the grackles against predators.

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