Madagascar Heron vs Least Bittern

Ardea humbloti compared with Ixobrychus exilis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Madagascar Heron Least Bittern
Scientific Name Ardea humbloti Ixobrychus exilis
Order Pelecaniformes Pelecaniformes
Family Ardeidae Ardeidae
Conservation Status Endangered Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 89.8 cm (35.4 in) 21.6 cm (8.5 in)
Weight 1060.0 g (37.39 oz) 77.1 g (2.72 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 3 2-7
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Madagascar Heron only

None

Least Bittern only

None

Conservation Status

Endangered

Madagascar Heron

Least Concern

Least Bittern

About These Birds

Least Bittern

The Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) is the smallest heron in the Western Hemisphere and one of the smallest herons in the world, measuring only 28–36 cm in length and weighing 51–102 grams. Despite its diminutive size, it is a highly capable heron, inhabiting freshwater and brackish marshes from Canada to South America. Male adults have a glossy black cap and back contrasting with rich chestnut sides of the neck and a large buff wing patch conspicuous in flight. Females are …

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