Home » American Bittern

American Bittern

Back to Wading birds and Cranes

These are solitary, secretive marsh birds that often remain undetected. The species has been Blue-listed in British Columbia, indicating that it is a Threatened species.

Their brown streaked body camouflages with dead vegetation very well, making them very difficult to spot. When alarmed, the bittern will stand with its head pointing into the air. Its call is a gulping sound (OOOONK-aloonk) and it is made by inflating the throat and bobbing up and down, an impressive sight.

The bittern is a patient hunter and waits or walks very slowly until prey is close before rapidly striking with its powerful beak. American Bitterns can be found in Grassland Set-asides where they hunt Townsend’s voles and garter snakes.

Photo by NDomer73 

News & Events

  • Farmland & Wildlife Poster Contest

    Delta students can enter the "Farmland & Wildlife" Poster Contest and WIN a Mini Hatch for their classroom! Watch live chickens hatch from their eggs inside the Mini Hatch! Read More..

  • Photo Contest Calendar

    Students from the University of BC's Faculty of Land & Food Systems recently ran a photo contest for the Delta Farmland & Wildlife Trust. The contest was hosted on Facebook and entries came from around the lower mainland. Thank you to the students for raising awareness of the Trust's work! Read More..

  • December 2011 Issue of Farmland & Wildlife

    The December 2011 issue of Farmland & Wildlife is available for download. Read More..

  • Through the Student's Lense

    Students from BCIT and Quest University are creating videos that highlight the work that Delta Farmland & Wildlife Trust is carrying out with local farmers. Read More..

  • Cover Crop Research Helps Refine Management

    DF&WT research reveals the importance of planting date on the ability of a cover crop to support waterfowl. Read More..
Read All News & Events

Copyright 2010/2011 D.F.W.T. All Rights Reserved

Photography by Tyler Garnham PhotographyWeb Site Design & Development by NetClimber Web Design Inc.