Editor’s Note: The elusive Least Bittern is part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect our wildlife. Read previous cases here.
An adult male Least Bittern (Botaurus exilis) was admitted to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) after being found on the ground, unable to move normally. No obvious external wounds were present. During his initial examination, the Least Bittern (patient 26-4205) remained lying on his chest and could not stand independently.
Although he could move both legs, he showed hindlimb weakness, poor coordination, and proprioceptive deficits when attempting to stand or walk. Based on these findings, CROW’s veterinarians considered trauma or toxicosis the most likely cause.
The patient received fluid therapy, pain medication, and assisted feeding as part of his initial supportive care. Over the following several days, his condition gradually improved. He began standing intermittently and was eventually observed running, a significant improvement from his condition at admission.
Although his gait remains abnormal, he can now move independently and continues to make encouraging progress. The veterinary and rehabilitation teams will continue to closely monitor his neurologic function, mobility, hydration, and overall condition as he recovers.
Least Bitterns are the smallest members of the heron family in North America, measuring only about 11 to 14 inches long. Despite their small size, they are remarkably well adapted to life among dense marsh vegetation. While they are not rare, they are extremely difficult to spot in nature because of their excellent camouflage.
They inhabit freshwater and brackish marshes with a mix of emergent vegetation, such as cattails and reeds, and open water. Rather than wading through open shallows like many other herons, Least Bitterns often climb through dense vegetation, using their long toes to grasp stems as they move through the marsh
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