The Least Bittern is the smallest heron in North America, barely larger than a robin, and is so secretive that it is far more often heard than seen. It clings to vertical marsh stems with elongated toes and moves through dense vegetation by straddling multiple stems. Its soft, cooing call and chuckling alarm call emanate from deep within cattail marshes.
Best time to see a Least Bittern
The best time to see a Least Bittern is April–June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,581 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Least Bittern sightings near you
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