Pinnated Bittern
Botaurus pinnatus
The Pinnated Bittern (Botaurus pinnatus) is a rare herons, egrets, and bittern found in 20 countries, weighing about 812 g. 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.
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.
How to identify it
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.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Suriname.
When to see it
The Pinnated Bittern can be seen all year round, with peak activity in February. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Pinnated Bittern?
- 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. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Pinnated Bittern?
- The Pinnated Bittern is a large sized bird weighing about 812 g.
- Where can you see a Pinnated Bittern?
- The Pinnated Bittern occurs in 20 countries, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Belize and Trinidad & Tobago.
- What birds look similar to a Pinnated Bittern?
- The Pinnated Bittern is most easily confused with the Australasian Bittern, the Eurasian Bittern and the American Bittern.
- Is the Pinnated Bittern endangered?
- The Pinnated Bittern is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Pinnated Bittern for real
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