North American bittern
| North American bittern | ||||||||||||
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| Botaurus lentiginosus | ||||||||||||
| ( Rackett , 1813) |
The North American bittern ( Botaurus lentiginosus ) is a bird of the heron family (Ardeidae) that lives hidden in extensive reed beds . The distribution area of this species extends from Canada to Texas and Florida. Wintering areas of this type can be found in Panama and the Caribbean islands, among others.
In Europe, the North American bittern is a rare wanderer. Most of the evidence is available for the British Isles as well as Ireland and Iceland.
description
The North American bittern is a large, brown bird that is very similar to the Eurasian bittern . The bird reaches a body length of 59 to 70 centimeters; the wingspan is 95 to 115 centimeters. Although the bird is common in its range, it is rarely seen. He lives well hidden in swamps, marshes and damp meadows. He is usually a loner hiding among marsh plants. If it feels discovered, it remains motionless with its beak stretched upwards so that it visually blurs with the reed plants. The peak of activity is at dusk. His calls can be heard frequently. Mockers disrespectfully compare it to the sound of a rusted pump.
Like other members of the heron birds, the North American bittern lives on amphibians , fish , insects, and reptiles .
The North American bittern is a migratory bird that overwinters in the southern United States and the Caribbean . Occasionally, specimens of this species will be sent to Europe on their long-distance journey.
supporting documents
literature
- James A. Kushlan & James A. Hancock: Herons . Oxford University Press, 2005, ISBN 0-19-854981-4
Web links
- Botaurus lentiginosus in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2008. Posted by: BirdLife International, 2008. Accessed January 31 of 2009.
- Videos, photos and sound recordings of Botaurus lentiginosus in the Internet Bird Collection
Single receipts
- ↑ Hans-Günther Bauer, Einhard Bezzel and Wolfgang Fiedler (eds.): The compendium of birds in Central Europe: Everything about biology, endangerment and protection. Volume 1: Nonpasseriformes - non-sparrow birds , Aula-Verlag Wiebelsheim, Wiesbaden 2005, ISBN 3-89104-647-2 , p. 249