Find Out More About The Little Bittern

As its name suggests, the little bittern is the smallest species of the heron family: it is about 30 cm tall, which is more or less the size of a raven. Male little bitterns have a black-greenish pattern on their back, shoulders and tail. On the other hand, their neck, chest and belly are of a creamy unobtrusive yellow, which can also be seen as brownish. Female’s backside is rather brown, the yellow areas are less strongly coloured and bear a brown stripe pattern. The legs and tail are smaller than the body. The neck is actually quite long, but it is mostly hidden between the head and the body.

Occurrence

The little bittern is a common bird in most parts of Europe and western Asia, even if their number is declining, especially in Central Europe. Little bitterns are long distance migrants: they spend the winter in the middle and southern regions of Africa. Small waters with thick belts of reeds and other plants are the best areas to spot the little bittern. In fact, as they can hide between the reeds, these areas are ideal. However, they can also be found in swamps, peat bogs and lowland forests as long as these places offer sufficient food and breeding possibilities.

Photographing tips

In Germany, the federal states of Baden-Württemberg and Brandenburg are those with the highest numbers of little bittern. These birds are very shy and they master the art of masquerade: they can take a “stilt” position – head and neck stretched vertically upwards – which make them hardly recognizable between the reeds. Dusk is the best time to spot them, while they’re fishing (fish is their main food) or searching for insects, frogs, worms, snails and even other birds’ eggs to feed on. During the courtship (March and April), the males can be observed more easily as they stand more often above the reeds.

Eschenbach Binoculars 

Eschenbach provide a range of binoculars that will help you spot the little bittern in its natural habitat without disturbing it. Wether you want something compact, something with a touch of luxury or a pair of binoculars that's good value for money, Eschenbach have something to suit. Check out the range of binoculars below:

Find out more about sektor binoculars

Find out more about the arena binoculars

Find out more about the adventure binoculars