Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis)


The Yellow Bittern is one of the smallest bitterns of genus Ixobrychus. It frequents densely vegetated wetlands and reedbeds where it remains hidden and very difficult to observe. It typically feeds on fish, amphibians and insects, sitting motionless in marsh vegetation and waiting for prey.
The Yellow Bittern has large range, but the population trend is uncertain with increase and decrease of some populations. But the species is not currently threatened.

 HABITAT:
The Yellow Bittern frequents freshwater swamps and marshes. It can be seen in reedbeds, shrubs and dense aquatic vegetation around rice paddles, lakes and mangrove swamps.
This species occurs mainly in lowland, but in Sumatra, it can be seen up to 1,500 metres of elevation.


BEHAVIOUR IN THE WILD:
The Yellow Bittern feeds primarily on insects, molluscs, crustaceans, frogs and fish. It forages alone in densely vegetated wet habitats, waiting motionless perched on stems just above or at the edge of the water. When a prey comes close to the bird, it rapidly thrusts down with its long, dagger-like bill to catch it. While foraging, it also gleans, runs and hops depending on prey type.
It is mostly crepuscular, and sometimes nocturnal. But it usually roosts at night and during midday on stems or rice stalks.


  
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