At Devils Garden Bird Park, we have one tiny resident of whom we’ve grown quite fond. Called the “least bittern” this fine little fellow has amazing traits which far outweigh his humble name.
For starters, despite being 2.5″
wide, the least bittern can squeeze through a space only 1.5″ in width! None other than John James Audubon chronicled this peculiar near-disappearing-act. What a feat . . . if only we humans could manage that neat little trick after the holidays!
The least bittern is also quite nimble when it comes to feeding. He can actually straddle reeds, allowing him to feed in water too deep for other birds. In fact, this clever bird can even make himself resemble the reeds in which he feeds, by freezing in place with its bill pointed upward.
Found year-round in south Florida (and at our wild bird park), the least bittern is, thankfully, a bird of least concern, when it comes to endangered species. We hope to show you ours someday soon!
