Little Bittern vs Forest Bittern
Ixobrychus minutus compared with Zonerodius heliosylus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Little Bittern | Forest Bittern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ixobrychus minutus | Zonerodius heliosylus |
| Order | Pelecaniformes | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae | Ardeidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 28.5 cm (11.2 in) | 60.6 cm (23.9 in) |
| Weight | 104.5 g (3.69 oz) | 802.0 g (28.29 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-9 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Little Bittern
Near Threatened
Forest Bittern
About These Birds
Little Bittern
The Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) is a small heron of the family Ardeidae and the smallest heron breeding in Europe. Adult males are striking birds: the crown, back, and tail are glossy black, sharply contrasting with large, pale buff to cream-colored wing patches on both the upper and lower wing surfaces — features immediately conspicuous in flight. The neck, breast, and belly are pale buff with a darker central stripe, and the facial skin around the eye is yellow. Females …