Rufous-bellied Heron vs American Bittern

Ardeola rufiventris compared with Botaurus lentiginosus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Rufous-bellied Heron American Bittern
Scientific Name Ardeola rufiventris Botaurus lentiginosus
Order Pelecaniformes Pelecaniformes
Family Ardeidae Ardeidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 41.6 cm (16.4 in) 54.2 cm (21.3 in)
Weight 201.5 g (7.11 oz) 734.75 g (25.92 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-4 2-7
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Rufous-bellied Heron only

None

American Bittern only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Rufous-bellied 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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