The stripe-backed bittern is a South American bird species belonging to the family Ardeidae, which includes Herons, Egrets and Bitterns. It was formerly placed in the genus Ixobrychus. Commonly found near freshwater swamps, marshes, lake shores and streams, stripe-backed bitterns span over a wide distribution that divides into the northern and southern populations, spanning on both sides of the Andes. Although increasingly recognized and researched worldwide, much life history details are lacking concerning this species, which remains understudied compared to its similar looking sister clade, including the least bittern.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occupies freshwater wetlands including marshes, swamps, lake margins, slow streams, and rice fields with dense emergent vegetation. It favors stands of cattails, rushes, and sedges where it can move silently through cover. The range is split into northern and southern populations occurring on both sides of the Andes. Presence is often patchy, tracking suitable wetland availability, and it may wander locally after rains or flooding.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small, cryptic bittern relies on perfect stillness and streaked plumage to blend into reeds, often pointing its bill skyward to mimic vertical stems. It occurs in two broadly separated populations on either side of the Andes and is frequently overlooked due to its secretive habits. It is most often detected at close range when it flushes low over marsh vegetation or by its soft, low calls at dawn and dusk.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside of breeding, maintaining small territories within dense marsh. Nests are shallow platforms of stems and leaves concealed above water. Pairs are presumed monogamous for the season, with both adults participating in incubation and chick care. When alarmed, it freezes with bill up, swaying slightly to mimic reeds.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet; gives soft, low cooing or clucking notes from cover, especially at dawn and dusk. Alarm calls are sharper, and flushed birds may emit brief, harsh notes.
