Looking for the legacy site? Click here

Least Bittern

Ixobrychus aglaiae


Long Legged Waders

Least Bittern thumbnail
Length: 13 in. (33 cm )

This tiny heron occurs in swampy vegetation, brackish marshes and mangroves. It is most easily seen when it flies across open areas among the vegetation. When threatened, it will cling to vertical stems and freeze in position, pointing its bill upward and mimicking bull rushes and other aquatic vegetation. The Least Bittern gleans insects and amphibians from stalks and leaves and also catches fish and aquatic invertebrates at the water's edge. Its nest is made of sticks and placed near the ground or over the water in dense vegetation.

The four-digit banding code is LEBI.


You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."
https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/least-bittern

Bibliographic details:

  • Article: Least Bittern
  • Author(s): Dr. Biology
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: 13 Jul, 2017
  • Date accessed:
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/least-bittern

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (Thu, 07/13/2017 - 15:37). Least Bittern. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/least-bittern

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "Least Bittern". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/least-bittern

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "Least Bittern". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/least-bittern

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
Why do leaves change color in the fall season?

Be Part of
Ask A Biologist

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Donate icon  Contribute

Share this page