Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis)

Least Bittern, Ixobrychus exilis

Palm Beach Gardens, FL
2016-01

Least Bittern is a large aquatic bird of the family Ardeidae (herons and relatives). The light brown neck and dark crest, white streaks on its wings are characteristic of the species. Its beak is long and pointed.

Other Ardeidae species:

Great Egret
Ardea alba

Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias

Tricolored Heron
Egretta tricolor

Snowy Egret
Egretta thula