FEATHERY FRIDAY # 46

FEATHERY FRIDAY #46

We’re staying in North America today to meet a bird who is a master at camouflage! They live near rivers and lakes, because that’s where their favorite prey lives. Grab your walking stick, best observation skills and binoculars and let’s go!

MEET THE AMERICAN BITTERN!

   Range/Habitat: North America-Central America/ wetlands, marshes, rivers

   Diet: Carnivore: fish, frogs

   Length/Weight: 23 ½-34”/ 18-32 oz

   Conservation Status: common

Fun Facts:

• American Bitterns have mottled brown feathers that are perfect at helping them camouflage in their habitat.
• They are members of the heron family.
• American Bitterns use their dagger like bills to catch their prey.
• They are solitary.
• American Bitterns point their bills in the air and sway with the grass to avoid being detected by predators.
• They have a loud booming call that sounds like a drum.

These small members of the heron family sure are neat! We love their funny call! Now all we need is a washboard and a banjo playing bird and we could have one awesome marsh bird band! Hahaha!