Large bittern
The large bittern is a wading bird known for its distinctive behavior and habitat preferences. These birds, part of the Ardeidae family, inhabit reedbeds across various regions of the world, with four recognized species: the American bittern, Eurasian bittern, Australasian bittern, and the South American bittern. They are characterized by their stout bodies, which can reach lengths of 2 to 3 feet and weights between 14 to 67 ounces. Their tawny plumage with black streaks provides excellent camouflage in their natural habitat.
Large bitterns are carnivorous, primarily preying on fish, amphibians, insects, and small mammals using their long, sharp bills. They have a unique mating call that can be heard from distances of up to three miles. During the breeding season, they build floating nests of reeds in shallow waters. While three of the species typically mate monogamously, males of the Eurasian bittern may mate with multiple partners. Their young remain in the nest for 40 to 55 days before fledging. Unfortunately, habitat destruction poses a significant threat to these birds, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect their habitats.
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Large bittern
A large bittern spends its daylight hours stalking prey in its reedbed habitat. Its long, sharp bill and quick reflexes enable it to stab fish and amphibians. One of the four species of these large wading birds is also known for its "booming" mating call, which can be heard 3 miles (5 kilometers) away.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Ardeidae
Genus: Botaurus
Species: Various (see below)
Four species of large bitterns live in reedbed habitats in four parts of the world. The South American species lives south of its cousin, the American bittern. The vulnerable Eurasian bittern spreads across that large land mass, while the Australasian bittern inhabits wetlands in Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia.
These large wading birds are two to three feet (60 to 85 centimeters) long and weigh 14 to 67 ounces (400 to 1,900 grams). Their stocky bodies are tawny (yellow-brown, or tan) with black streaks. This color plumage (feathering) and these markings provide excellent camouflage for the birds in the tall reeds and grasses where they live. When danger threatens, the bitterns point their necks and yellow bills to the sky and freeze, remaining motionless until the threat passes.
When not disturbed by humans or predators, large bitterns wade in shallow water and hunt for food. They stalk, slowly and quietly placing one green foot in front of the other as they look for fish and amphibians. Quick thrusts of their long, sharp bills stab their prey. They are skillful enough to catch insects, fish, frogs, crayfish, and small mammals. Since they eat meat, they are called carnivores. Natural predators include snails, birds of prey, minks, and raccoon dogs. Like their cousins, the herons, habitat destruction is one of the greatest threats to bitterns.
Bitterns generally live alone. Three of the four species most likely mate with only one other bird during the mating season. Male Eurasian bitterns may mate up to five times during a season and not be of any help raising the young. The mating season is usually when food is most abundant. The bitterns build floating nests of reeds in open water, but some hide their nests in the reeds along the water's edge. The male and female incubate three to six olive-brown eggs for 24 to 28 days. After they hatch, the young remain in the nest for 40 to 55 days, a time called nestling. During this time, the parents feed them. They leave the nest and begin swimming shortly before they fledge, or can fly.
Bitterns have an average lifespan of four years.
The four species of large bitterns are:
American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus
Australasian bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus
Eurasian bittern Botarus stellaris
Pinnated or South American bittern Botaurus pinnatus
Bibliography
"American Bittern." Missouri Department of Conservation, mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/american-bittern. Accessed 1 May 2024.
Graves, Ethan. "Botaurus Stellaris." Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Botaurus‗stellaris. Accessed 1 May 2024.
Harris, Marie. "Botaurus Lentiginosus." Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Botaurus‗lentiginosus. Accessed 1 May 2024.