Breeding is confirmed of Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus in Menorca

Macho de avetorillo Ixobrychus minutus llegando al nido © Menorca Walking Birds

The Ixobrychus minutus was until 2011 a migrant bird with regular quotes during the summer in Menorca, but had never been evidence of breeding. During the spring / summer of 2011, a specific monitoring was carried out for the wetland north of the island, Northern Son Saura. This effort resulted in confirmation of its breeding on the island. There was a nest with two chicks being fed by both adults. Also detected two more territorial pairs, with clear evidence of breeding, although this could not be confirmed. During 2012, it was also able to observe two territorial pairs in the same area with clear indications of breeding, but this time there were no chicks or juveniles.