Family: Ardeidae, Herons, Egrets, Bitterns view all from this
family Description ADULT Has beautifully patterned brown
plumage. Neck and breast have chestnut stripes on paler
background and feathers on back and upper wing are marbled and
finely marked. Note the white throat and supercilium, and black
malar stripe. Daggerlike bill is yellow and legs are greenish.
JUVENILE Similar to adult, but facial markings are less
striking. Dimensions Length: 23-34" (58-86 cm) Habitat
Widespread across Canada and northern U.S. in spring and summer,
but seldom common. Associated with well-vegetated freshwater
marshes and present in breeding range mainly Apr-Sep. Moves
south and west in winter and then found mostly in coastal
wetlands with large stands of cattail. Observation Tips Presence
often detected by "song" in spring. Persistent observation may
be rewarded by a view of a flying bird. Range Eastern Canada,
Western Canada, Alaska, New England, Northwest, Southeast,
Florida, Plains, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, California