Little Bittern

Little Bittern

Ixobrychus minutus

LCLeast concern

Distribution

The little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) is a wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, native to the Old World, breeding in Africa, central and southern Europe, western and southern Asia, and Madagascar. Birds from temperate regions in Europe and western Asia are migratory, wintering in Africa and further south in Asia, while those nesting in the tropics are sedentary. It is rare north of its breeding range.

Habitat

The little bittern's breeding habitat is reed beds.

Diet

These bitterns feed on fish, insects and amphibians.

Reproduction

Four to eight eggs are laid.

Specimens & photos

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