American Bittern

American Bittern, cryptic behavior

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American Bittern, Florida, January

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Other Names
4. Full detailed species account

A stocky and well-camouflaged heron of dense reed beds, the American Bittern is difficult to see. Its far-carrying booming call is distinctive, but the bittern itself likes to keep under cover.

Description

• Medium-sized, stocky heron.
• Thick neck and bill.
• Colored in brown, tan, and white stripes.

• Size: 60-85 cm (24-33 in)
• Wingspan: 92 cm (36 in)
• Weight: 370-500 g (13.06-17.65 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes look alike.

Sound

A deep pumping "oong-ka-choonk."

Other Names

Butor d¿Amérique (French)
Torcomón, Avetoro lentiginoso (Spanish)

Sources used to construct this page:

Gibbs, J. P. , S. Melvin, and F. A. Reid. 1992. American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus). In The Birds of North America, No. 18 (A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill, Eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, DC: The American Ornithologists¿ Union.