American Bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus · Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns
The American Bittern is a medium-sized heron, rarely seen due to its exceptional camouflage and secretive nature. This streaky brown and buff bird blends seamlessly into dense marsh vegetation, often going unnoticed. Its presence is most often revealed by its distinctive, low-pitched call that echoes across wetlands.
Explore the full field guideMarsh residentMedium-sizedBooming voiceCarnivore
1 call·first heard Jul 8·last 94d ago
When it's heardpeak 9p · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Overall warm brown with heavy white and brown streaks on the underparts, providing excellent camouflage.
- Adults have a prominent black streak extending from the eye down the side of the neck. Juveniles lack this mark.
- In flight, the outer wings appear conspicuously dark, contrasting with the lighter body and inner wings.
- Yellow eyes can focus downward, giving a unique cross-eyed appearance, and may turn orange during breeding season.