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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Ixobrychus minutus
Little bittern (male). Greek: μικροτσικνιάς (αρσενικός). Kremastinos River, May 2003.
Breeding migrant, uncommon. Mid-April to September. Length 25-35 cm, wingspan 55-60 cm. Crown and back green-black in males, dark brown in females. Reed swamps in river mouths, riverbed pools with surrounding vegetation, ponds, reservoirs. Monogamous, male establishes and defends breeding territory. Solitary feeder in twilight and at night. Foraging methods include perch stalking, slow prowling and running in crouched posture. Takes primarily fish, amphibians, large insects. Flies with retracted neck.
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