Least Bittern, Ixobrychus exilis

Description    Field ID    Habitat    Conservation Status   Migration    Nest & Eggs    Song    The Water Connection

Most Great Lakes bird watchers know of the Great Blue Heron, the largest of our regional heron species. Far fewer people are familiar with the heron on the opposite end of the size spectrum: the Least Bittern. Fewer still have seen this reclusive bird—furtive and well camouflaged, this tiny heron is one of the most difficult North American marsh birds to spot. Despite its inconspicuousness, however, the species can be fairly common within appropriate habitat.