Bird Breeds: American Bittern

A well-known and well-camouflaged heron that can be found all over North America is the American Bittern. The American Bittern is hard to find as they are difficult to see, and like to hide and camouflage into their surrounding environment.

The American Bittern is a medium-sized, stocky heron with a thick neck and bill. They're brown in color although they have some white stripes here and there which make it highly resemble some tree trunks or a plant. They have an elongated neck, and grow to be 33 inches tall with a wingspan that is a bit longer than their height. Both sexes look alike, and even the immature baby herons will look similar to the adult ones.

Generally, the American Bittern can be found all over North America. In the summer, they will generally breed in upper North America; however, when winter comes along, they will travel down to southern areas like Mexico, and South United States of America; thus, they are actually generally anywhere. The American Bittern also lives year-round in some areas in North America like the western coastal areas of United States, and some eastern coastal areas of United States as well. They cannot be found in the colder climate areas like up in the territories or in Alaska. Normally, they will find an area where there are wetlands.

The American Bittern is monogamous during breeding season although they occasionally will become polygynous. Breeding normally occurs in early May. The females will choose a nesting area which they deem to be safe and sturdy where they will build their nest which is made of reeds, and other vegetation around the wetland. Normally, the females will brood and feed the chicks on their own, and will care for their hatchlings after they leave the nest which is about one to two weeks later.

Insects, amphibians, and small fishes make up the diet of the American Bittern. Normally, the American Bittern will camouflage into the environment, and wait patiently for their prey to pass by. They dart out at their prey, grabbing the prey tightly in their beaks, and killing them with their bite or the shake. Normally, they are quite successful due to their camouflage skills.