Bird
Bird
Pinnated Bittern
Botaurus pinnatus
The Pinnated Bittern is a large, cryptically patterned marsh bird of Trinidad's swamps, notoriously difficult to see as it stands motionless among tall grass and reeds relying entirely on camouflage rather than flight to avoid detection.
The Pinnated Bittern is a large, cryptically patterned marsh bird of Trinidad's swamps, notoriously difficult to see as it stands motionless among tall grass and reeds relying entirely on camouflage rather than flight to avoid detection.
Identification
A large heron around 66 to 76 cm long, with buffy-brown plumage heavily streaked and barred with black and dark brown, closely resembling dried marsh grass. It has a stout, dagger-like bill and a thick neck typical of bitterns. Its size is considerably larger than the Least Bittern, though its patterning provides similarly effective concealment.
Behaviour
Forages by wading slowly and deliberately through tall marsh grass and shallow water, hunting fish, amphibians, and large invertebrates, and freezes with its neck extended and bill pointed upward when alarmed, relying on cryptic plumage rather than flushing. Its deep, booming call, given mainly at dawn and dusk, is far more often heard than the bird itself is seen.
Status in T&T
Found in extensive freshwater marsh and swamp grassland in Trinidad, particularly Nariva Swamp, where tall grass and sedge habitat is well developed. Not considered threatened at a global level, though dependent on large, undisturbed wetland grassland. It is protected as native wildlife under the Conservation of Wildlife Act.
Threats
- Loss and drainage of extensive freshwater marsh grassland habitat
