American Bittern vs Little Blue Heron

Botaurus lentiginosus compared with Egretta caerulea

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute American Bittern Little Blue Heron
Scientific Name Botaurus lentiginosus Egretta caerulea
Order Pelecaniformes Pelecaniformes
Family Ardeidae Ardeidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 54.2 cm (21.3 in) 51.6 cm (20.3 in)
Weight 734.75 g (25.92 oz) 352.0 g (12.42 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-7 2-5
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

American Bittern only

None

Little Blue Heron only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

American Bittern

Least Concern

Little Blue Heron

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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