Least Bittern vs Ascension Night-heron
Ixobrychus exilis compared with Nycticorax olsoni
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Least Bittern | Ascension Night-heron |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ixobrychus exilis | Nycticorax olsoni |
| Order | Pelecaniformes | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae | Ardeidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.6 cm (8.5 in) | — |
| Weight | 77.1 g (2.72 oz) | 624.57 g (22.03 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-7 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Bittern
Ascension Night-heron
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 …
Ascension Night-heron
The Ascension Night-heron was a flightless heron known from subfossil remains on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic. Weighing an estimated 624g, it was likely driven to extinction by human activity and introduced predators. It is currently listed as Not Evaluated by conservation assessments.