Their secretive behaviour makes the least bittern a difficult species to monitor.  Often seen rather than heard, the least bittern is listed as being threatened provincially and nationally, the loss and pollution of wetland habitats contributing to the decline of this species.

 

In Ontario this species and its nest is protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, and local birding enthusiasts take part in annual surveys to collect important data in hopes that their efforts, along with wetland conservation initiatives, will help restore the least bittern population.
 

A soft coo-coo-coo, a rustle amongst the cattails… a sure sign you are about to catch a glimpse of one of Tiny Marsh’s tiny visitors, the Least Bittern.  The least bittern is the smallest member of the Heron family.  Often heard, but rarely seen, this heron is easily distinguished from other herons by its small size and the large chestnut coloured patches on its wing.

 

This shy species migrates annually from wintering grounds in the southern U.S. and central Mexico to breeding areas in the spring.  Large quiet cattail marshes such as this host the least bittern and their platform nests, which are constructed using cattails.  When threatened, the least bittern often points its bill upwards and mimics the movement of cattails to camouflage it from potential predators.