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Great Bittern
Botaurus stellaris
(B. s. stellaris)
| Armenian Name: | Մեծ ջրցուլ |
|---|---|
| Species Status: | Threatened Species - Species of Special Concern |
See Plate 4 for Great Bittern and other similar species
| Resident Status: | Migrant, Winter Visitor |
|---|---|
| Abundance: | Uncommon |
| Length: | 70-80 cm |
| Distribution Map: | Map 20. |
| Description: | Secretive heron. Yellow-brown overall. Finely streaked and barred with brown and black; lighter below with distinct streaks. Greenish-yellow bill and green legs. Mustache mark conspicuous in adult. |
| Similar Species: | Differs from juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron by streaked, not spotted, back and more distinct streaking below. |
| Behavior: | Most active at dawn, dusk, and night. Often assumes camouflage posture of extended neck and body vertical in reeds; stands motionless or swaying with reeds. |
| Habitat: | Marshes and ponds with dense vegetation. |
| Food: | Fish, amphibians, other small animals. |
