RFI-Bittern or BCNH Juv

[Anonymous]

I saw this bird just north of Maynooth on a run up to Algonquin park. I thought it was a black crowned night heron juvenile, but the colour of the beak and the eyes make me wonder if it's a bittern. It's not the best capture, but the lighting wasnt the greatest. Some assistance would be greatly appreciated:)

http://art-mcleod.fotopic.net/p41182259.html

[GStuart]

Dark primaries and secondaries.  White eye stripe.  Dark malar streak.  It looks like an American Bittern to me.

Also, I'm not sufficiently familiar with Night Herons, but I don't think any of this years hatchlings could have grown to that size yet, and I would think that any born last year would have mature plumage by now.  Can anyone tell us how long it takes for a Night Heron to reach maturity?

[Anonymous]

Thank you very much for your assistance. It's very much appreciated:)

[Kin Lau]

I agree. It's too early for Juv BCNH and there's no white spots on the wings. The wing pattern matches my Sibley's description of an American Bittern.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Kin, that would make this my first:)

[Bruce Colvin]

Yes it is a Bittern. Probably the easiest way ( and this isn't that uncommon ) to tell A juvenile BCNH fom an Bittern is that the lack of distinct field marks on the BCNH. It's head isjust plain brown without an distictive field marks. Bruce

[Anonymous]

Thanks Bruce, I appreciate the advice:)