Ixobrychus

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{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Botaurus | image = LeastBittern23.jpg | image_width = 200px | image_caption = Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Aves | ordo = Ciconiiformes | familia = Ardeidae | genus = Ixobrychus | genus_authority = Billberg, 1828 | subdivision_ranks = Species | subdivision = See text. }} Ixobrychus is a genus of bitternsis, a group of wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae. It has a single represenative species in each of North America, South America, Eurasia and Australasia. The tropical species are largely resident, but the two northern species are partially migratory, with many birds moving south to warmer areas in winter.

The Ixobrychus bitterns are all small species, their four larger relatives being in the genus Botaurus. They breed in large reedbeds, and can often be difficult to observe except for occasional flight views due to their secretive behaviour. Like other bitterns, they eat fish, frogs, and similar aquatic life.

Species

• Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus
• Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
• Stripe-backed Bittern Ixobrychus involucris
• Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis
• Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis
• Schrenck's Bittern Ixobrychus eurhythmus
• Dwarf Bittern Ixobrychus sturmii
• Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis