Little Bittern

🔍 Overview

A tiny heron and very rare visitor to Sussex, often recorded in spring at reedbeds.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Very small heron (36 cm)

Male: Black crown/back, buff underparts

Female: Browner overall

Flight: Fast and low with dangling legs

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Only recorded in Hove and Southwick during period 2000-2024.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Low, booming “woof” in breeding birds. Extremely secretive and often only seen in flight.