White-necked Heron vs American Bittern

Ardea pacifica compared with Botaurus lentiginosus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute White-necked Heron American Bittern
Scientific Name Ardea pacifica Botaurus lentiginosus
Order Pelecaniformes Pelecaniformes
Family Ardeidae Ardeidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length — —
Wingspan 77.0 cm (30.3 in) 54.2 cm (21.3 in)
Weight 910.0 g (32.10 oz) 734.75 g (25.92 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 3-4 2-7
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

White-necked Heron only

None

American Bittern only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

White-necked Heron

Least Concern

American Bittern

About These Birds

American Bittern

The American Bittern is a large heron weighing about 735 g with a 54.2 cm wingspan, inhabiting freshwater marshes and reed beds across North America. When threatened, it freezes with bill pointed skyward, its streaked brown plumage blending remarkably with marsh vegetation.

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