American Bittern vs Pinnated Bittern

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

Large706 gWetland

The American bittern is a large, chunky, brown bird, very similar to the Eurasian bittern (Botaurus stellaris), though slightly smaller, and the plumage is speckled rather than being barred. It is 58–85 cm (23–33 in) in length, with a 92–115 cm (36–45 in) wingspan and a body mass of 370–1,072 g (0.816–2.363 lb). The crown is chestnut brown with the centers of the feathers being black. The side of the neck has a bluish-black elongated patch which is larger in the male than in the female.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recorded by Justin Watts · Song · Necedah Wildlife Refuge, United States · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Walter Siegmund · CC BY 2.5

Pinnated Bittern

Botaurus pinnatus

Large812 gWetland

The pinnated bittern is a large heron, measuring between 25–30 in (64–76 cm) with a weight that ranges from 554 to 1,157 g (1.2 to 2.6 lb); males typically weigh considerably more than females. Sexes are similarly plumaged, but females tend to be smaller than males and have brown instead of black on the tail. Both adults and immature birds are generally buffy, though heavily marked with cryptic patterning. Juveniles tend to have a somewhat more reddish ground color. Voice: If flushed, the pinnated bittern gives a rough rawk-rawk-rawk call. During the breeding season, the male booms at dusk and into the night; his call is a deep poonk or poonkoo.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Cláudio D. Timm on Flickr · CC BY 2.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: American Bittern and Pinnated Bittern.