Home › Aves › Ardeidae › Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis)
SPECIES PROFILE
Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis)
Ixobrychus
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Indian subcontinent east Asia
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Reedbeds marshes rice fields
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Ciconiiformes
FAMILY
Ardeidae
GENUS
Ixobrychus
📋 Description
SIZE
36-38 cm long 80-120 g
COLORATION
Yellowish-brown with streaked underparts
ADAPTATIONS
Compact body for navigating dense vegetation
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Reedbeds marshes rice fields
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Indian subcontinent east Asia
REPRODUCTION
Lays 4-6 eggs in reed nests incubated 17-20 days
DIET DETAILS
Fish insects crustaceans small amphibians
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Wetland drainage agricultural expansion
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Cryptic Wanderers: Yellow Bitterns hide in reeds with 100-gram bodies stalking 40 grams of insects daily in Bharatpur's marshes. Their streaks aid camouflage.
2
Seasonal Migrants: These bitterns cover 4000 sq km in Chilika's wetlands. Habitat loss threatens their secretive breeding.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Chilika Lake in Odisha wetlands host yellow bittern sightings
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan marshes offer yellow bittern sightings
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu wetlands have yellow bittern sightings
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
October-March Dry season enhances visibility in reeds for spotting bitterns
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Check dense vegetation at dawn for yellow bitterns' subtle movements
