Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Pinnated bittern
Scientific name: Botaurus pinnatus
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: ARDEIDAE
Group: Birds
Shyness: Very shy
Safe distance: 20 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 01.05-31.10
Gestation: 26–28 jours
Births: 40–45 jours
Habitat:
Dense reed beds, marshes and flooded areas
Description:
A nocturnal and secretive marsh heron, this bulky bird with cryptic buff-brown plumage hides among reeds to feed on insects, fish and small vertebrates from ambush. When moving, it crouches with neck erect and emits deep booms at dusk during the breeding season.
Recommended lens:
>=300 mm
Photography tips:
Set up concealed behind a floating hide or at a discreet observation point, and wait at dawn or dusk for the bird to emerge to hunt; shoot from a slight low angle to isolate its silhouette among the reeds, using a fast shutter speed to freeze its sudden flights.
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