Little Bittern

FICEDULA > Little Bittern

Description

The Little Bittern is a small heron characterized by light brown plumage with golden hues and a distinctive tuft on its head. Its wings are white and are easily noticeable in flight. It feeds mainly on fish, amphibians, and insects. It lives in wetlands and along riverbanks. During the breeding season, it forms colonies in reed beds or trees near the water, building nests out of twigs. It winters in Africa.

The Situation in Italian-Speaking Switzerland

In Italian-speaking Switzerland, the Crested Bittern is a rare species. Isolated individuals are mostly observed in the spring.

  • Ardeola ralloides
  • Crabier chevelu
  • Rallenreiher
  • Squacco Heron
  • 45 cm
  • 80–92 cm

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