American Bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus
The adult American Bittern is a secretive heron of freshwater marshes, wet meadows, and reed beds across much of North America. It stalks slowly through shallow water, ambushing fish, frogs, crayfish, insects, and small vertebrates with a sudden bill thrust. Its brown-and-buff streaking and upright freeze posture make it exceptionally hard to see among cattails. Males are famous for their deep, pumping boom calls, which can carry across marshes during the breeding season.
- Type
- Stealth
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- ?
- American Bittern Fledgling
- American Bittern