Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)

The Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) is a discreet and well-camouflaged bird, difficult to spot in the dense vegetation of wetlands. The smallest of the herons, this bird is known for its characteristic posture: when it feels threatened, it stretches vertically, aligning itself with the reeds to blend perfectly into its surroundings. It moves stealthily among the reed stems and is most active at dawn and dusk.

Description

• Name in English: Little Bittern

• Scientific name: Ixobrychus minutus

• Size:

  • Length: 33-38 cm

  • Wingspan: 52-58 cm

• Weight: 60-150 g

• Lifespan: Up to 8-10 years

• Presence in Romania: Summer, migratory species

• Frequency: Common in wetland areas

• Status: Least Concern (LC)

Characteristics

The Little Bittern has distinctive plumage, with clear differences between the sexes. The male has a black back and wings, while the rest of the body is light brown. The female is more uniformly brown, with more pronounced streaks on the chest and neck. Its beak is long, sharp, and yellow-green. The eyes are yellow and the legs are greenish-yellow. Juveniles have a mottled appearance with brown stripes, providing excellent camouflage.

Habitat and Distribution

The Little Bittern prefers wetlands with dense reed beds, lakes, lagoons, canals, and marshes. It is found in southern and central Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, migrating to sub-Saharan Africa in winter.

Distribution in Romania

This species is common in Romania’s wetlands, especially in the Danube Delta, river floodplains, and lakes with abundant vegetation. It arrives in spring and departs in autumn, being observable from April to September.

Behavior

The Little Bittern is solitary or lives in pairs. It is a nocturnal or crepuscular hunter, feeding on small fish, amphibians, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. It nests in reeds, building a small nest from dry vegetation, where the female lays 4-6 eggs, incubated by both parents for about 17-19 days.

Conservation Status and Threats

Although classified as a species of Least Concern, its population is vulnerable to habitat destruction due to wetland drainage, pollution, and climate change. Protecting reed beds is essential for maintaining its population.

Where Can It Be Observed?

The Little Bittern can be seen in the Danube Delta, lakes in Călărași, Brăila, Balta Mică a Brăilei and other wetlands rich in aquatic vegetation.

Fun Facts

• When threatened, it adopts a “camouflage” posture, aligning perfectly with the reeds.

• It can fly swiftly through dense vegetation.

• Its calls are soft and difficult to hear, resembling a “bup” sound.

• Chicks grow quickly and become independent at around three weeks old.

Conclusion

The Little Bittern is a fascinating bird, well adapted to life in wetlands. Though difficult to spot, with a bit of patience and a pair of binoculars, nature enthusiasts can enjoy a memorable encounter with this small heron.