Common name: Little Bittern (الواق الصغير)
Scientific name: Botaurus minutus
Family: Ardeidae

Size:
Body length: 33–38 cm
Wingspan: 52–58 cm
Weight: 60–150 g

Identification:
A very small and secretive heron with a compact body, short neck, and pointed bill. Males are distinctive with a black crown and back contrasting with buff underparts and pale wing panels, while females and juveniles are browner with more streaking. In flight, it shows rounded wings and a quick, low flight over reeds. When threatened, it adopts a characteristic upright “bittern posture,” stretching its neck and pointing its bill upward to blend perfectly with surrounding reeds.

Habitat:
Freshwater wetlands, reedbeds, marshes, lagoons, and vegetated edges of lakes and ponds. It strongly prefers dense emergent vegetation where it can remain concealed.

Status in the UAE:
Uncommon passage migrant and occasional winter visitor. Recorded in suitable wetland habitats with dense reed cover.

Diet:
Carnivorous — feeds on small fish, amphibians, aquatic insects, and occasionally small crustaceans. Hunts by stealth, striking quickly at prey.

Behavior:
Extremely elusive and mostly active at dawn and dusk. Spends long periods hidden within reeds, moving slowly and carefully. Relies heavily on camouflage and its freeze posture to avoid detection.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)