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Mass Audubon State of the Birds

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Least Bittern
Ixobrychus exilis

The Least Bittern is an inconspicuous migrant and rare summer breeder in Massachusetts. Even more reclusive than the American Bittern, the Least Bittern is also a state Endangered species. Its breeding distribution in Massachusetts is very restricted.
Conservation Status
Continued Action/Monitoring Needed

Tracking This Bird In Massachusetts

Climate Vulnerability Score

Highly Vulnerable
Mass Audubon Mean likelihood of occurrence (current)
0.38
Mass Audubon Mean likelihood of occurrence (2050)
0.27
Mass Audubon Absolute change in likelihood of occurrence
-0.12
U.S. Forest Service Climate Change Bird Atlas (Hadly Hi emissions scenario)a
n/a
National Audubon Societyb
Climate Endangered
a USFS model data for Massachusetts by 2100
b National Audubon Society's Climate Change Atlas was completed on a continental scale.

Breeding Bird Atlas

Atlas I Blocks
10
Atlas II Blocks
27
Percent of state occupied - Atlas I
1
Percent of state occupied - Atlas II
2
Percent change
240

Breeding Bird Survey

Annual trend 1966-2010
P-value
Number of routes
Recent trend 2000-2010

Christmas Bird Count

Trend (1963-2008)
0
Significantly different than zero
Trend (1963-1979)
0
Significantly different than zero
Trend (1979-2008)
0
Significantly different than zero

Habitat Usage

Breeding

Open Freshwater Marsh

Wintering

Does not winter in Massachusetts

Climate Suitability Current and 2050