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Bittern (American)

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Botaurus lentiginosus
Bittern (American)

Range

They winter in the southern U.S. down to Mexico and the Caribbean. They breed in summer in wetlands across most of the U.S. and Canada.

Habitat

They are found in marshy wetlands.

Body Traits

They are mottled brown with a black cheek streak and long, pointed beak. They can be more than 2 feet tall.

Habits

They are very shy and hide in tall plants, standing with head pointed up to blend in with the reeds. They are active at night (nocturnal). They live alone.

Diet

They eat mostly fish or other wetland life, like frogs, crabs and insects.

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School subscriptions can access more than 175 downloadable unit bundles in our store for free (a value of $1,500).

District subscriptions provide huge group discounts for their schools. Email for a quote: sheri@exploringnature.org.

Reproduction

They lay 4-6 eggs.

Bittern (American)

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vetebrata
Class: Aves
Order: Pelicaniformes
Family: Ardeidae
Genus: Botaurus
Species: B. lentiginosus

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