Habitat
Thickets and forests with fluctuating water levels, frequenting the margins of freshwater rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, ponds and pools overhung with dense foliage, marshes with grasses or reeds, seasonally flooded areas, mangroves, rice-fields, and open grassy swamps with bulrushes or papyrus.
Dwarf Bittern (Ixobrychus sturmii) [XC827385]
by Ehren Eksteen from Kruger Park (near Phungwe), Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Mpumalanga, South Africa (song)
Dwarf Bittern (Ixobrychus sturmii) [XC827402]
by Nick Schaller from Kruger Park, Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Mpumalanga, South Africa (song)
Nest
A platform of sticks on a horizontal or hanging branch of a tree or bush, overhanging water about 0.5 - 4 m above the surface. Nest alone or in small groups of a few dozen pairs.
Eggs (Guide)
2 - 5; bluish-white; oval; 35 - 39 x 26 - 31 mm. Incubation: 14 - 15 days.