Least Bittern
Ixobrychus exilis
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photo© by Ginger Allen, Univ. of Florida
Body- male; black back, head, female; rusty brown
11-13"
Other Characteristics- yellow legs and bill, buff wings
Status- found throughout Florida
Reproduction- 4 eggs laid in twig or grass nests over water
Distribution- Oregon, California, Arizona,Texas, to Florida
Habitat- fresh water marshes, wet prairies, agricultural areas
Diet- frogs, fish, invertebrates
Fun facts - Florida's smallest heron
- secretive bird, hides by freezing body
- only heron where sexes have noticeably different plumage
Note - This photo was taken at the Wakodahatchee
Wetlands in Palm Beach County
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