Little Bittern

Ixobrychus minutus

Very rare migrants to Britain.

Winters in Southern Europe east to India & Africa.

There have been 3-5 per year in Britain. 100 records for Ireland mostly in April-May.

 They breed across Europe from April-October.

Males have a black crown & back, brown belly, bright red with yellow tip at the beignning of the breeding season only.

The Male's call is a muffled bark.

Females are streaked with dark buff and brown than the Males.

Flights are often only short & brief.

First British record was in 1773 at Christchurch, Dorset.