Little Bittern

Botaurus minutus

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Aves · Pelecaniformes · Ardeidae

The little bittern is a wading bird in the heron family, Ardeidae. This species was formerly placed in the genus Ixobrychus.

Fun Fact

It is the smallest of the breeding herons of Europe and is characterised by its tiny size, long and sharp bill and thick neck.

Habitat

Native to the Old World, breeding in Africa, central and southern Europe, western and southern Asia, and Madagascar.

Diet

Feeds on fishes, amphibians and insects which are caught within reedbeds or at their edges by the bird slowly stalking the prey.

Lifespan

To be updated