Stripe-backed Bittern
A species of Small bitterns Scientific name : Ixobrychus involucris Genus : Small bitterns
Stripe-backed Bittern, A species of Small bitterns
Botanical name: Ixobrychus involucris
Genus: Small bitterns
Content
Description General Info
Description
The stripe-backed bittern is very small, averaging around 30 cm (12 in) in length. It is darker brown with a white and brown striped pattern along the back, and a black stripe from head to tail, while the underbelly is lighter brown and striped with white. This bittern calls through distinct, low-pitched 'ooks', or through gargling.
Size
33 cm
Feeding Habits
Stripe-backed Bittern primarily consumes small fish, crustaceans, and various insects including dragonflies and water beetles. Stripe-backed Bittern often forages solitarily or in pairs, utilizing standing or slow walking methods, and is known to feed nocturnally.
Habitat
Stripe-backed Bittern typically inhabits fresh and brackish wetlands characterized by dense vegetation such as cattails, sedges, and long grass. It is often found in tropical marsh reedbeds and is adaptable to human-altered landscapes, including artificial lakes and agricultural areas. This species is also present in rice paddies throughout broader South American regions.
Dite type
Piscivorous
General Info
Behavior
The stripe-backed bittern is a solitary animal. It generally feeds at night on small fish, crustaceans and insects such as dragonflies and water beetles. It is not a strong flier, and only does so across short distances. When threatened, it responds by pointing its neck and bill skyward, a characteristic posture of bitterns. The stripe-backed bittern makes small nests of reeds and stems, which are found above water level, among reeds. The clutch consists of three eggs. Incubation period for eggs is unknown, and breeding seasons appear to vary based on location.
Distribution Area
The stripe-backed bittern is distributed in large patches across South America, located in Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and the island of Trinidad to the north, and in Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Brazil to the south, inhabiting reed-beds and sedge.
Species Status
This bittern is considered to be of least concern due to its wide range, and large, stable population.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Pelicans and Relatives Family
Herons Genus
Small bitterns Species
Stripe-backed Bittern