Botaurinae
Botaurinae is a subfamily within the heron family Ardeidae, commonly known as bitterns. In some taxonomic treatments, Botaurinae includes the genera Botaurus and Ixobrychus and is recognized as a distinct subfamily; other classifications place these taxa as a tribe (Botaurini) within Ardeinae. Regardless of rank, the group comprises marsh-dwelling, reed-bed birds that are adapted to camouflaged life in dense vegetation.
Bitterns are typically stockier and have relatively short necks compared with true herons. Their plumage is
Behaviorally, botaurines are noted for their secretive habits. They often remain motionless to ambush prey, then
Reproduction typically involves nests built from vegetation near water, sometimes elevated among dense reeds. Clutch sizes
Conservation concerns for bitterns center on wetland habitat loss and degradation, which threaten several species. The