First breeding record of Little bittern Ixobrychus minutus

Abstract

The Little Bittern lxobrychus minutus has been recorded only on migration as fairly common in spring and generally scarce in autumn (Sultana & Gauci 1982). A male Little Bittern was noted on several dates from 21 May 1996 at the newly set up nature reserve, ls-Simar, where it remained throughout the winter of 1996-97. On 23 February 1997 a female was also noted for the first time at the reserve. ls-Simar has an area of approximately 5 ha and has an extensive Phragmites australis reedbed. It is hemmed in between three habitats;the sea (St. Paul's Bay) on one side, agricultural land on the other, and building development on another.