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WetlandPlatform nestLarge · 812 g
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Pinnated Bittern
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is February, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Pinnated Bittern
The map shades 19 countries with regular records, and 1 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Suriname.
About the Pinnated Bittern
The pinnated bittern, also known as the South American bittern, is a large member of the heron family (Ardeidae) found in the New World tropics. Like the other Botaurus bitterns, its plumage is mostly buffy-brown and cryptically patterned. Though it is a widespread species, it is rarely seen – presumably due to its skulking habits – and much about its life history remains little known.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Australasian BitternBotaurus poiciloptilusThe Australasian bittern, or Matuku-hūrepo in Māori, is a stocky, sizeable and elusive heron-like bird native to the wetlands of Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia.
Stripe-backed BitternBotaurus involucrisStripe-backed bitterns are very small, averaging from 28 to 35 cm in length.
Least BitternBotaurus exilisThe least bittern is one of the smallest herons in the world, with perhaps only the dwarf bittern and the black-backed bittern averaging smaller in length.
Side by side: American Bittern vs Pinnated Bittern · Eurasian Bittern vs Pinnated Bittern · Agami Heron vs Pinnated Bittern
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