ML080280467

Information on Botaurus Lentiginosus - American Bittern

ML080280467
Person / Time
Site:	Susquehanna
Issue date:	01/23/2008
From:	Harris M University of Michigan, Museum of Zoology
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
TAC MD3021, TAC MD3022
Download: ML080280467 (4)

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ADW: Botaurus lentiginosus: InformationP Page I of 4 C) r University of Michigan Museum of Zoology Structured Inquiry Seard Home > Kingdom Animalia *P, Phylum Chordata )r Subphylum Vertebrata Class Ayes '> Order Ciconiiformes > Family Ardeidae > Subfamily Botaurinae Species Botaurus lentiginosus Botaurus lentiginosus American bittern Information Pictures Classificatiooil 2008/D1/20 02:37 18.736 US/Eastern By Marie S. Harris Geographic Range Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Class: Aves Order:' Ciconiiformes Family: Ardeidae Subfamily: Botaurinae Genus: Botaurus Species: Botaurus lentiginosus During the breeding season, the American Bittern ranges from the Mid-United States to northern Canada. Its wintering range stretches from the south Atlantic coast across the Gulf coast and west to southern California.

Biogeographic Regions:

nearctic Q (native q).

Habitat In the breeding range, the American Bittern inhabits areas of freshwater wetlands with tall emergent vegetation, shorelines, and vegetative fringes. The bird prefers beaver-created wetlands to those of glacial origin.

Terrestrial Biomes:

forest q; rainforest CL..

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edulsite/accounts/information/Botaurus-lentiginosus... 1/23/2008

ADW: Botaurus lentiginosus: Information Page 2 of 4 Physical Description Mass 600 g (average) [Ref]

(21.12 oz)

Basal Metabolic Rate The American Bittern is a medium-sized heron with a stout body and a neck, short legs, and a white neck. The upperside of the bird is brown finely speckled with black. The undersides are heavily streaked with brown and white. There is a long black patch that extends from below the eye down the side of the neck.

Some key physical features:

endothermic (k; bilateral symmetry q.

Reproduction Time to hatching 34 days (average) [Ref]

The American Bittern is considered monogamous; however, it is possibly polygynous under some circumstances. Pair formation occurs in early May when the female arrives at the nesting site. The female then chooses the nest site, which is usually in dense emergent vegetation over water that is 4-5 cm in depth. The nest is built by the female and is constructed of reeds, sedges, cattail, or other emergent vegetation. Egg laying is performed daily with one egg laid in the in the morning. Incubation begins before the full clutch is laid and lasts 24 to 28 days. Brooding and feeding duties are performed solely by the female. The hatchlings leave the nest after one to two weeks, but they receive supplemental feedings by the adults up to four weeks after hatching.

Key reproductive features:

iteroparous 0,; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual Qk; oviparous G_

Behavior Little is known about migration patterns of the species. Northern populations that occupy areas where temperatures can reach below freezing are known to migrate. Southern populations occupying regions where temperatures are milder, however, appear to be non-migratory. Members of the species appear to be/highly asocial, with minimal pair bonds between the sexes. Foraging is completely solitary.

Key behaviors:

flies; motile q.

Food Habits The basic diet of the American Bittern includes insects, amphibians, crayfish, and small fish and mammals. When foraging, it relies mostly on stealth, waiting motionless for its prey to pass by. Its coloration adds to its ability to go undetected by prey. When its prey is in, reach, the bird darts forward and seizes the prey in its bill. The prey is then killed by biting or shaking and is swallowed head first., Microhabitats for foraging include vegetation fringes http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich. edulsite/accounts/information!Botauruslentiginosus.... 1/23/2008

ADW: Botaurus lentiginosus: Information Page 3 of 4 and shorelines. Even-aged stands of older, dense or dry vegetation are avoided.

Economic Importance for Humans: Negative Economic Importance for Humans: Positive Conservation Status IUCN Red List: [link]:

Least Concern.

US Migratory Bird Act: [link]:

Protected.

US Federal List:

[link]:

No special status.

CITES: [link]:

No special status.

State of Michigan List: [link]:

Special Concern.

The American Bittern population is undergoing a substantial decline due to loss and degredation of habitat. The species was listed as a Nongame Species of Management Concern by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in 1982 and 1987. It is listed as a species of special concern in the state of Michigan. Eutrophication, siltation, chemical contamination, and human disturbance have significantly reduced habitat quality by damaging the food supply. Changes in wetland isolation and stabilized water regimes are also eroding habitat quality. Acid rain is also another significant threat to the species due to its damaging effects on wetlands.

Other Comments Within the thick vegetation of its habitat, the American Bittern uses resounding callsto communicate. The eerie calls for which it known has won the species many nicknames:

stake-driver, thunder-pumper, and mire-drum. The species remains relatively unstudied due to its secretive nature and inaccessible habitats.

Contributors -

Marie S. Harris (author), University of Michigan.

References Gibbs, J.P., et. al., The Birds of North America No.18. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 1992.

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ADW: Botaurus lentiginosus: Information Page 4 of 4 2008/M1/20 02 37 : 19 .708 USiEastL r To cite this page: Harris, M. 1999. "Botaurus lentiginosus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web.

Accessed January 23, 2008 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Botaurus_lentiginosus. html Disclaimer: The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students. ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While ADW staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.

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