An adult male Least Bittern (Botaurus exilis) was admitted to 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, trauma or toxicosis was considered the most likely underlying 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.

For patient updates, click this link!

About Least Bitterns

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 necessarily rare, they are extremely difficult to spot in nature because they blend in so well.

They inhabit freshwater and brackish marshes with a mixture of emergent vegetation, such as cattails and reeds, and areas of 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.

Their camouflage provides another remarkable adaptation. When threatened, a Least Bittern may freeze with its neck stretched and bill pointed upward, sometimes swaying with the surrounding vegetation to blend in with the reeds.

Least Bitterns are also skilled ambush predators. They perch among marsh vegetation and remain nearly motionless before quickly striking with their sharp bill to capture prey. Their diet includes small fish, frogs, tadpoles, crayfish, insects, and occasionally small snakes.

CROW Case A Week stories are patient features written by Jordan Bryant, CROW’s Education and Marketing Intern. These stories appear weekly in Santiva Chronicle.