Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Conservation

Taxonomy

Common Name: BITTERN, AMERICAN

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: AVES

Order: PELECANIFORMES

Family: ARDEIDAE

Genus: BOTAURUS

Species: LENTIGINOSUS

Taxonomic Authority: (RACKETT)

Taxonomy References: 043 , 044

Status

NONGAME
STATE ENDANGERED
STATE RANK S1
GLOBAL RANK G4

Status References: 015 , 016 , 017 , 018

Habitat Summary

"Occur in marshes, wet meadows and sloughs with emergent vegetation and permanent water 8-13 inches deep."

Primary Habitat: "Wetland matrix"

References: 015 , 016 , 017 , 018

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Occurs statewide *01*. Rare summer resident (south), uncommon transient, accidental winter resident *02*."

County Occurance

County Occurence
Known Likely Unknown Not Likely Historic Extirpated
BOLLINGER ADAIR
BOONE ANDREW
BUCHANAN ATCHISON
CALLAWAY AUDRAIN
CAPE GIRARDEAU BARRY
CHARITON BARTON
CLINTON BATES
GENTRY BENTON
HOLT BUTLER
JACKSON CALDWELL
LAFAYETTE CAMDEN
LINCOLN CARROLL
LINN CARTER
MACON CASS
MILLER CEDAR
PERRY CHRISTIAN
PIKE CLARK
PLATTE CLAY
RANDOLPH COLE
RAY COOPER
SALINE CRAWFORD
SCOTT DADE
ST. CHARLES DALLAS
ST. CLAIR DAVIESS
ST. LOUIS DEKALB
STODDARD DENT
VERNON DOUGLAS
WAYNE DUNKLIN
FRANKLIN
GREENE
GRUNDY
HARRISON
HENRY
HICKORY
HOWARD
HOWELL
IRON
JASPER
JEFFERSON
JOHNSON
KNOX
LACLEDE
LAWRENCE
LEWIS
LIVINGSTON
MADISON
MARIES
MARION
MCDONALD
MERCER
MISSISSIPPI
MONITEAU
MONROE
MONTGOMERY
MORGAN
NEW MADRID
NEWTON
NODAWAY
OREGON
OSAGE
OZARK
PEMISCOT
PETTIS
PHELPS
POLK
PULASKI
PUTNAM
RALLS
REYNOLDS
RIPLEY
SCHUYLER
SCOTLAND
SHANNON
SHELBY
ST. FRANCOIS
STE. GENEVIEVE
STONE
SULLIVAN
TANEY
TEXAS
WARREN
WASHINGTON
WEBSTER
WORTH
WRIGHT

References for distribution:

Distribution by Watersheds

Wyaconda R.
Miss. R. from Des Moines R. to MO. R.; and North R.
North Fork from Headwaters to South Fork
South Fork from Headwaters to North Fork
Salt R.
Cuivre R.
Dardenne Creek
Miss. R. from St. Louis to River Aux Vases
Meramec R.
Miss. R. from River Aux Vases to Ohio R.
Castor R. and Castor R. Diversion Channel
St. John's Ditch and Blue Ditch
St. Francis R. from Headwaters to Wappapello Dam
St. Francis R. from Wappapello Dam to Arkansas Border
Little R.
Mo. R. from Nishnabotna R. to Nodaway R.
Nodaway R.
Mo.R. from Nodaway to Kansas City
Platte R.
One Hundred and Two R.
Northwest Corner of Jackson County
Grand R. from Headwaters to Shoal Creek
Grand R. from Shoal Creek to MO. R.
Chariton R. from Shuteye Creek to Mo. R.
Little Chariton R.
Little Osage R.
Marmaton R.
Osage R. from Headwaters to Warsaw, MO.
Sac R.
Pomme De Terre R.
South Grand R.
Osage R. from Warsaw to Bagnell Dam
Osage R. from Bagnell Dam to Mo. R.
Mo. R. from Kansas City to Little Chariton R.
Mo. R. from Little Chariton R. to Gasconade R.
Blackwater R.
Mo. R. from Gasconade R. to Miss. R.
Black R.

Comments: "Likely to occur in units listed, based on county occurrence."

Distribution by Ecoregions

Central Till Plains, Mississippi River Alluvial Plains, Osage Plains, Ozark Highlands

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Bluestem Prairie/Oak Hickory Forest
Cedar Glades
Oak-Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory-Pine Forest
Southern Floodplain Forest
ALL

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Glaciated Plains
Glaciated Plains: Western
Glaciated Plains: Grand River
Glaciated Plains: Eastern
Glaciated Plains: Lincoln Hills
Big Rivers
Big Rivers: Upper Missouri
Big Rivers: Lower Missouri
Big Rivers: Upper Mississippi
Big Rivers: Lower Mississippi
Ozark Border
Ozark Border: Missouri River
Ozark Border: Mississippi River
Ozark
Ozark: Springfield Plateau
Ozark: Upper Ozark
Ozark: St. Francois Mountains
Ozark: Elk River
Ozark: White River
Ozark: Lower Ozark
Mississippi Lowlands
Mississippi Lowlands: Crowley's Ridge
Mississippi Lowlands: Lowlands
Osage Plains

Habitat Associations

Species is associated with "Terrestrial/Aquatic" habitats.

National Wetlands Inventory Association:

Lacustrine
Palustrine

Aquatic Associations:

"Lacustrine, littoral", "Aquatic bed, floating vascular"
"Lacustrine, littoral", "Emergent"
"Palustrine", "Emergent, persistent"
"Palustrine", "Emergent, nonpersistent"
"Palustrine", "Emergent",
"Palustrine", "Emergent",
"Palustrine", "Emergent",

References for Aquatic Associations: 038 , 040 , 041 , 015 , 016 , 017 , 018

Habitat Types:

Pond, Lake, Reservoir
Marsh

References for Habitat Types: 037 , 019 , 027

Terrestrial Natural Communities:

Prairie
Wet Prairie
Hardpan Prairie
Wetland
Marshes
Freshwater Marsh
Pond Marsh
Ground Water Seepage
Fen
Deep Muck Fen
Swamps
Swamp
Pond Swamp
Shrub Swamp
Pond Shrub Swamp

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 042 , 015 , 016 , 017 , 018 , 020

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Carnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Comments for larval food habits:
""

References for larval food habits:

Juvenile Food Habits

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""

References Juvenile Food Habits

Adult Food Habits

Osteichthyes (bony fishes); Not Specified
Anguilliformes (eels, morays, pike congers); Not Specified
Amphibians; Not Specified
Salientia (frogs, toads, peepers, tree frogs); Not Specified
Reptiles; Not Specified
Sauria (lizards, skinks); Not Specified
Malacostraca (lobster, shrimp, crayfish, crabs); Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified
Odonata (dragonflies, damselflies); Not Specified
Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, mantids); Not Specified
Serpentes (snakes); Not Specified
Mammals; Not Specified
Cricetidae (woodrats, mice, voles, lemmings); Not Specified
Aquatic Insects; Not Specified
Terrestrial Insects; Not Specified
Molluscs; Not Specified

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 015 , 017 , 030

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

References for egg niches requirements:

Feeding Larvae Niche Requirements

References for feeding larvae niche requirements:

Resting Larvae Niche Requirements

References for resting Larvae niche requirements:

Feeding Juvenile Niche Requirements

Aquatic vegetation: cattail (Typha)
Aquatic vegetation: bulrush (Scirpus)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Inland wetlands: vegetated stream banks
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: bog
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Isolation from humans required; should be relatively inaccessible

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements:

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)

References for resting juvenile niche requirements:

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

Standing dead vegetation specified in comments(00770)
Aquatic vegetation: cattail (Typha)
Aquatic vegetation: bulrush (Scirpus)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Aquatic vegetation: smartweed (Polygonum)
Aquatic vegetation: burreed (Sparganium)
Aquatic vegetation: willow (Salix)
Aquatic vegetation: rushes (Juncus)
Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Aquatic vegetation: pickerel weed (Pontederia)
Aquatic vegetation: spatterdock
Height of aquatic/emergent vegetation specified in comments(00125)
Water level: semipermanently flooded
Water level: seasonally flooded
Water level: temporarily flooded
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: vegetated stream banks
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: bog
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
Inland wetlands: fen
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Habitat size dependent on size of continuous wetland
Size of continuous wetland specified in comments(00366)
Distance to open water (in wetland) specified in comments(00435)
Height of herbaceous vegetation specified in comments(00630)
Isolation from humans required; should be relatively inaccessible

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 015 , 016 , 017 , 018

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

Aquatic vegetation: cattail (Typha)
Aquatic vegetation: bulrush (Scirpus)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Height of aquatic/emergent vegetation specified in comments(00125)
Density of aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00130)
Floodplain specified in comments(00220)
Floodplain wetlands: remnant wetlands
Floodplain wetlands: unfarmed temporary
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: vegetated stream banks
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: bog
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Leaf litter/ground debris specified in comments(00460)
Herbaceous cover (%) specified in comments(00620) Herbaceous cover (%) specified in comments

References for feeding adult niche requirements: 015 , 016 , 017 , 018

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

Aquatic vegetation: cattail (Typha)
Aquatic vegetation: bulrush (Scirpus)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Height of aquatic/emergent vegetation specified in comments(00125)
Density of aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00130)
Floodplain specified in comments(00220)
Floodplain wetlands: remnant wetlands
Floodplain wetlands: unfarmed temporary
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: vegetated stream banks
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: bog
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Leaf litter/ground debris specified in comments(00460)
Herbaceous cover (%) specified in comments(00620) Herbaceous cover (%) specified in comments

References for resting adult niche requirements:

Niche Requirement Summary

Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Aquatic vegetation: bulrush (Scirpus)
Aquatic vegetation: burreed (Sparganium)
Aquatic vegetation: cattail (Typha)
Aquatic vegetation: pickerel weed (Pontederia)
Aquatic vegetation: rushes (Juncus)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Aquatic vegetation: smartweed (Polygonum)
Aquatic vegetation: spatterdock
Aquatic vegetation: willow (Salix)
Density of aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00130)
Distance to open water (in wetland) specified in comments(00435)
Floodplain specified in comments(00220)
Floodplain wetlands: remnant wetlands
Floodplain wetlands: unfarmed temporary
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Habitat size dependent on size of continuous wetland
Height of aquatic/emergent vegetation specified in comments(00125)
Height of herbaceous vegetation specified in comments(00630)
Herbaceous cover (%) specified in comments(00620) Herbaceous cover (%) specified in comments
Inland wetlands: bog
Inland wetlands: fen
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
Inland wetlands: vegetated stream banks
Isolation from humans required; should be relatively inaccessible
Leaf litter/ground debris specified in comments(00460)
Size of continuous wetland specified in comments(00366)
Standing dead vegetation specified in comments(00770)
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Water level: seasonally flooded
Water level: semipermanently flooded
Water level: temporarily flooded

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
004 Also hover over water and plunge into water *23*
007 In IL, breed late April and May *15*, nest in May in MN *30*
014 Nest 2-8" above water *16* in IA study, nest 2-6" above water *22* in another study, nest 3-4" above water *24*
015 Nests of dried reeds, cattails, sedges *15,16,17,25*
017 Incubation 24 days *15,18,24,25*, 22-23 days *30*
018 Clutch size 2-7, usually 4.5 *15,18,22,24,25*, averaged 4.4 in MN study *30*. Average clutch in ND study 3.83 *31*.
026 Male defends initial territory until pair formation, then female defends area around nest *16*
027 Defends area immediately around nest *16*
030 More active when light intensity is low *16*
033 In IL, spring arrival in mid-March or April, fall migration probably in September and October, migration believed to occur at night *15*. In MO study, spring migration late March to early June, fall migration early August to early November *41*.
034 Limiting factors - habitat and weather, less nesting occurs during dry years *15*
011 Nests in marsh *043*.

Life History Information

Territoriality specified in comments(026)
Territory size specified in comments(027)
Periodicity specified in comments(030)
Migration patterns specified in comments(033)
Limiting factors specified in comments(034)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: spring/summer/fall
Foraging strategy: stalking
Foraging strategy specified in comments(004)
Foraging sites: ground
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Display site: ground
Nest/den site: emergent aquatic vegetation
Nest/den site specified in comments(011)
Nest height specified in comments(014)
Nest materials: sticks
Nest materials specified in comments(015)
Gestation/incubation period specified in comments(017)
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Development of young at birth/hatching: altricial
Parental care of young: female
Territoriality: defends breeding and nesting territory

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
004 Also hover over water and plunge into water *23*
007 In IL, breed late April and May *15*, nest in May in MN *30*
014 Nest 2-8" above water *16* in IA study, nest 2-6" above water *22* in another study, nest 3-4" above water *24*
015 Nests of dried reeds, cattails, sedges *15,16,17,25*
017 Incubation 24 days *15,18,24,25*, 22-23 days *30*
018 Clutch size 2-7, usually 4.5 *15,18,22,24,25*, averaged 4.4 in MN study *30*. Average clutch in ND study 3.83 *31*.
026 Male defends initial territory until pair formation, then female defends area around nest *16*
027 Defends area immediately around nest *16*
030 More active when light intensity is low *16*
033 In IL, spring arrival in mid-March or April, fall migration probably in September and October, migration believed to occur at night *15*. In MO study, spring migration late March to early June, fall migration early August to early November *41*.
034 Limiting factors - habitat and weather, less nesting occurs during dry years *15*
011 Nests in marsh *043*.

References for life history: 039 , 041 , 015 , 016 , 017 , 018 , 022 , 023 , 024 , 025 , 030 , 031 , 001 , 002

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Water - develop/maintain lakes/ponds
Water - develop/maintain wetlands
Water - develop/maintain freshwater marsh
Water - control sedimentation
Water - control pollution (thermal, physical, chemical)
Water - develop/maintain streamside vegetation
Water - maintain bogs
Water - restrict human disturbance

Beneficial Management References: 015 , 016 , 026

Adverse Managment Practices:

Water - application of herbicides
Water - application of pesticides
Water - application of insecticides
Water - dredging and filling
Water - control aquatic plants
Water - navigational improvements (channelization, dams, locks)
Water - burning marshes or wetlands
Water - stream channelization
Water - drainage of wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes

Adverse Management References: 015 , 016 , 026

Comments on Management:
Habitat loss is the most serious cause of population decline *15*

References for Management Comments: 015

References

Reference Code Citation
001 Unpb Rathert, J. Mo Dept. Of Conservation, 1110 S. College Ave., Columbia, Mo 65201. (573)-882-9880.
002 Easterla, D.A., M.B. Robbins & R.A. Anderson. 1992. Annotated Check-List Of Missouri Birds. The Audubon Society Of Missouri.
003 American Ornithologists Union. 1957. Checklist Of North American Birds, 5th Ed. Lord Baltimore Press. Baltimore, Md. 691 Pp.
004 Unpb Breeding Bird Survey. Jim D. Wilson. Mo Dept. Of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. (573)-751-4115.
005 Unpb Wilson, Jim D. Mo Dept. Conserv. P.O. Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo 65102. (573)751-4115.
006 Duck Creek Bird Checklist. 1979. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation, Jefferson City, Mo.
007 Heye, P.L. 1975. A Preliminary List Of The Birds Of The Cape Girardeau, Missouri Area. S.E. Mo State Univ., Cape Girardeau, Mo.
008 Birds Of Mingo National Wildlife Refuge.1970.Department Of The Interior Fish And Wildlife Service.Bureau Of Sport Fisheries And Wildlife.Refuge Leaflet 179-R3.
009 Birds Of Squaw Creek National Wildife Refuge. 1975. U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service. Rf-663560-2.
010 Comfort, J.F. 1975. A Checklist Of The Birds Of The August A. Busch Memorial Wildlife Area. Mo Dept Conserv & Webster Groves Nature Study Soc.
011 Kelly, J. & C. Hobbs (Compilers). 1978. Bird Checklist, Greater Kansas City Area. Burroughs Audubon Society Of Kansas City (Publishers).
012 Robbins, M. 1978. Winter Survey. Bluebird 45(2):11-15.
013 Robbins, M. 1978. Spring Survey. Bluebird 45(3):14-20.
015 Graber, J.W., R.R. Graber & E.L. Kirk 1978. Illinois Birds: Ciconiiformes. IL Nat. Hist. Survey Biol. Notes No. 109. 80 Pp.
016 Palmer, R.S. (Ed.) 1962. Handbook Of North American Birds, Vol. 1. Yale Univ. Press. New Haven & London. 567 Pp.
017 Bent, A.C. 1927. Life Histories Of North American Marsh Birds. U.S. Nat. Mus. Bull. 135. 385 Pp.
018 Harrison, H.H. 1975. A Field Guide To Birds Nests In The United States East Of The Mississippi River. Houghton - Mifflin Co., Boston 257 Pp.
019 The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115.
020 Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation & U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
021 Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
022 Provost, M.W. 1947. Nesting Birds In The Marshes Of Northwest Iowa. Amer. Midl. Nat. 38:485-503.
023 Kushlan, J.A. 1976. Feeding Behavior Of North American Herons. Auk 93:86-94.
024 Versall, D.B. 1940. Notes On Nesting Habits Of The American Bittern. Wilson Bull. 52:207-208.
025 Mousely, H. 1939. Home Life Of The American Bittern. Wilson Bull. 51:83-85.
026 Unpb Fredrickson, L.H. Univ. Of Mo Gaylord Research Lab., Puxico, Mo 63960 (573-222-3203).
027 Checklist Of Rare And Endangered Species Of Missouri. 1991. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 44 Pp.
028 Brown, M. & J.J. Dinsmore. 1986. Implications Of Marsh Size And Isolation For Marsh Bird Management. J. Wildl. Manage. 50(3):392-397.
029 Unpb Wilson, J.D. & B. Jacobs. 1988. The Distribution And Breeding Status Of The Birds Of Missouri (Preliminary Report). Mo Dept. Of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102.
030 Svedarsky, W.D. 1992. Observations On Nesting Of The American Bittern In Northwest Minnesota. Prairie Nat. 24:241-250.
031 Kantrud, H.A. & K.F. Higgins. 1992. Nest And Nest Site Characteristics Of Some Ground-Nesting Non-Passerine Birds Of Northern Grasslands. Prairie Nat. 24:67-84.
032 Gates, R.J. & A. Woolf. 1992. Ecology Of Waterfowl In Northeastern Illinois. Il Dept. Of Conservation. Final Report. Project W-102-R(Si). 206 Pp.
033 Unpb Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Database. P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102.
034 Jacobs, K.J., J.P. Dunn, F.E. Hartman & A.J. Nastase. 1993. Effects Of Management Practices Upon Waterfowl Abundance, Usage, And Marsh Ecology In State Game Lands. Pa Game Comm., Final Report For Project 06510, Job 51005. 26 Pp
035 Jacobs, B. & J.D. Wilson. 1997. Missouri Breeding Bird Atlas 1986-1992. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Natural History Series No. 6. Jefferson City, Mo. 430 Pp.
036 Anderson, J.T., T.C. Tacha, G.T. Muehl & D. Lobpries. 1996. Wetland Use By Waterbirds That Winter In Coastal Texas. Nat. Biol. Serv. Information & Technology Report 8. 40 Pp.
037 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2003. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. xv + 29 Pp.
038 Unpb Ehrhardt, E. 1996. Abundance And Distribution Of Waterbirds On Three Habitats Of Missouri River Floodplain Following A Major Flood. M.S. Thesis, Univ. Of Missouri-Columbia. 126 Pp.
039 Azure, D.A., W.L. Briniger, J.E. Toepfer, G. Huschle & R.D. Crawford. 2000. First Described Renesting Attempt By An American Bittern. Wilson Bull. 112(2):271-273.
040 Humburg, D.D., K. Bataille, D.L. Helmers & D.A. Brunet. 1999. Wetland Ecology Studies In The Missouri River Floodplain: Evaluation Of Seasonal Habitat Use By Waterbirds On The Missouri River Floodplain Mo Dept. Conserv. Final Rept. Proj. W-13-R-53, Study 18, Job 4. 130 Pp.
041 Unpb Vogel, J. 1999. Migration Chronology And Habitat Use Of Webless Migratory Game Birds In Lower Missouri River Floodplain Wetlands. Ms Thesis, Univ. Of Missouri-Columbia. 92 Pp.
042 Kantrud, H.A. & R.E. Stewart. 1984. Ecological Distribution And Crude Density Of Breeding Birds On Prairie Wetlands. J. Wildl. Manage. 48(2):426-437.
043 Chesser, R.T., R.C. Banks, F.K. Barker, C.Cicero, J.L. Dunn, A.W. Kratter, I.J. Lovette, P.C. Rasmussen, J.V. Remsen, Jr., J.D. Rising, D.F. Stotz and K.Winker. 2010. 51st Supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Check-list of North American Birds. Auk 127(3):726-744.
044 Chesser, R.T., R.C. Banks, F.K. Barker, C.Cicero, J.L. Dunn, A.W. Kratter, I.J. Lovette, P.C. Rasmussen, J.V. Remsen, Jr., J.D. Rising, D.F. Stotz and K.Winker. 2010. 51st Supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Check-list of North American Birds. Auk 127(3):726-744.