Purple Heron vs American Bittern
Ardea purpurea compared with Botaurus lentiginosus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Purple Heron | American Bittern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ardea purpurea | Botaurus lentiginosus |
| Order | Pelecaniformes | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae | Ardeidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 69.9 cm (27.5 in) | 54.2 cm (21.3 in) |
| Weight | 873.75 g (30.82 oz) | 734.75 g (25.92 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-8 | 2-7 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Purple 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.