Jump to content
Whatbird Community

Confirm Least Bittern at Montezuma NWR NY 7/26/23?


Recommended Posts

26 minutes ago, Ed hogg said:

You are probably right but how would you rule out a Green Heron?

Wing pattern is an easy way. That big rufous patch in photo 2 with greenish below. 

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Green Herons, even juveniles, show a much more muted and concolor upperwing in flight. Least Bitterns have a notable buff patch (wing coverts) that contrasts with the darker flight feathers on the upperwing. It's definitely a Least Bittern.

  • Like 3
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

57 minutes ago, Ed hogg said:

You are probably right but how would you rule out a Green Heron?

Lots of good ID tips provided above. For me the buff colour of the plumage and the wing patch is unique and they can be identified with just a glance. They are also tiny.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks all, I had ruled out anything else other than Green Heron (of which I had several in the same location, only they were much more cooperative to photograph as you can see here) 🙂

DSC_5558.JPG

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

46 minutes ago, MWM said:

Thanks all, I had ruled out anything else other than Green Heron (of which I had several in the same location, only they were much more cooperative to photograph as you can see here) 🙂

DSC_5558.JPG

Wow  great photo!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...