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American Bittern
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Habitat and behaviour
Habitat: Reedbeds (very rare vagrant).
Diet: Fish.
Best time to spot: More streaked than European.
When to look
A rare visitor, not a resident. There is no dependable season, though most rarities are found during spring and autumn migration. More on the season in Rare birds in the UK.
How rare is it?
The American Bittern sits in our Legendary tier for the UK: a major rarity, where any record is big news. It is not on the Red or Amber lists in Birds of Conservation Concern 5.
Recent UK sightings
No community sightings logged for this species yet. Log the first one.
Similar birds
- Least BitternLegendary · Reedbeds (extreme vagrant)
- BitternRare · Large reedbeds
- Hooded MerganserLegendary · Ponds (very rare vagrant)
- Pied-billed GrebeLegendary · Lakes (very rare vagrant)
- Snowy EgretLegendary · Coastal pools (very rare vagrant)
- American CootLegendary · Lakes (very rare vagrant)
Kit that helps
Bird ID starter kit. Affiliate links, our own picks, no extra cost to you.
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