tags: Least Bittern, Ixobrychus exilis, birds, mystery bird, bird ID quiz
[Mystery birds] Least Bittern, Ixobrychus exilis, photographed at Anahuac Refuge, Texas. [I will identify this bird for you tomorrow]
Image: Joseph Kennedy, 1 May 2009 [larger view].
Nikon D200 ,Kowa 883 telescope with TSN-PZ camera eyepiece 1/250s f/8.0 at 1000.0mm iso40.
Please name at least one field mark that supports your identification.
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Based on the shape, the bill, the dark cap, the breast coloration and striping, and the back stripes, I'm going to say it's a least bittern. Hiding its neck, though. Damn. I've never seen one of those. Nice shot.
It does look like a least bittern, quite a dramatic plumage compared to the eurasian bittern that we get in my part of the world (and which I've only seen once despite hearing it on many occasions).
yES. THIS IS A LEAST BITTERN. I'M FORTUNATE TO LIVE ABOUT THREE BLOCKS FROM OUR LOCAL BIRDING SPOT WHERE THESE LITTLE GEMS LIVE YEAR ROUND. MUSTANG ISLAND, TEXAS.
I was going to guess striated heron: http://members.optusnet.com.au/lizzieo/heronstriated.htm
I believe that it is a least bittern. The plumage and shape of the beak makes it stand out.
That bird has some crazy looking feet!
the whole thing screams LEAST BITTERN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!