Least Bittern
Botaurus exilis (Gmelin, JF, 1789) (0, 1)
Photo © Phil Woollen - Spiggie, Mainland, Shetland, 7 October 2022
STATUS
North, Central and South America. Polytypic.
OVERVIEW
The crossing of the Atlantic Ocean had obviously taken its toll of this first for Britain, dying that night. BOURC state that it was likely to have been of the nominate exilis.
BBRC RECORD
1). 2022 Shetland Scousburgh, 1CY, probable female, taken into care, 7th October, died that night, photo.
(British Birds 115: plate 503; B. Mitchell & S. D. Keightley, Scottish Birds 43: 95-96, plates 79 & 80; L. Bacon, P. French and the Rarities Committee, British Birds 116: 575; BOURC (2024), Ibis 166: 348).
