|
|
The American Bittern is a medium-sized heron. Heavily streaked and brown in appearance, the outer wing appears blackish-brown when in flight, contrasting the lighter brown of the inner wing and body. Adults have a long black stripe running down the side of the throat.
They are a common bird of Algonquin Highlands’ spruce bogs, though they are rarely seen. A highly secretive bird, the American Bittern steps out slowly and carefully into the reeds when searching for food. When approached, unlike other herons, the Bittern freezes, relying on its colouration for camouflage. It stands with its long neck and bill pointed upwards, swaying slightly to imitate the waving reeds. The lines on its body blend perfectly with the environment, only its watchful yellow eyes giving away its location.
Generally silent birds, the male Bittern will produce a loud pumping sound during the breeding season to attract females and show them his location. He makes a loud “oong-KA-goonk” sound, similar to the sound of a wet stake being driven into the ground. This sound is created through gyrations of the head and neck. Along with this call, the American Bittern also performs a remarkable, though rarely seen, courtship display. Males arch their back to expose their white chest plumes, shorten their neck and dip the chest forward, and let out loud “booms”. Both the male and female with perform complicated aerial displays. Females lay 2 to 6 buff or greenish-buff eggs on a platform of reeds, concealed in a marsh.
|
|
|
|
 |
AMERICAN BITTERN
Botaurus lentiginosus
|
