Least_Bittern_female_nest_ruffled_2-24-16.jpg. The least bittern is a solitary to loosely-colonial nester. Least_Bittern_male_flying_2-24-16.jpg. The Least bittern is the smallest member of the heron family, reaching only 30 centimetres in length. Least Bittern feeds on small fish and aquatic invertebrates, but also on reptiles, amphibians and insects, which captures with quick jabs of its bill. However, these birds do take flight when migrating between Central and North America. The adults approach the nest on foot rather than by flying. Least bitterns prefer moving on foot over flying when in marshes, and their flight within the marsh often appears weak with short flutters and their legs dangling. The least bittern's call is a low pitched, quack-like, "coo-coo-coo-coo." While the American may be up to 30 inches long, the least seldom surpasses 17. The copyright belongs to the artist. I set up over to the side, not the spot I favor when I am alone. It is so secretive and well camouflaged that it is heard far more often than seen. Least Bittern Male In Flight. What it looks like. Juvenile Least Bitterns Foraging. A soft cooing song is sung by the males in spring, and a variety of calls are given on their breeding grounds. Dimensions of the artwork: approx. To avoid detection, a least bittern will often hold a cryptic reed-like pose, where it stands motionless with its bill pointed straight up. Most of what follows is based on a very thorough 1996 research paper by Ron Pittaway and Peter Burke (see References below). Occasionally they can be seen flying weakly over the wetland, showing off their brightly-colored buffy neck and wing patches. It has brown and beige plumage with large chestnut patches on its wings. Least Bittern Female and Nest. 7.5x9.5 inches This is an original, one of a kind artwork, a watercolor. Least bittern flying home, watercolors Watercolor pencil, on special acid free archival watercolor paper, colored with watercolors, signed. Least Bitterns Part 3. When I arrived on Wednesday, there were two women with binoculars studying the area where a bittern had disappeared in the phragmites far across the pond. When Least Bitterns are alarmed, instead of flying away they often freeze and point their bill upward to blend with the surrounding vegetation. The Least Bittern is the smallest member of the heron family, measuring 11-14 inches in length with a 16-18 inch wingspan. It also may feed on eggs and chicks of other marsh species. Protective Legislation: Federal - Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Least bitterns also call with a ticking sound, perhaps a contact communication between members of a nesting pair. The illustration shown below is … The mysterious dark Least Bittern Read More » The other species, the least bittern, is much smaller. 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