The male Little Bittern (last 2 photos) is brighter in colour than the female (first 3 photos), with a glossy black crown and back, and a striking cream wing patch, while the female is browner and streaked.
Young birds resemble the female, but their plumage is more mottled and streaked.

First 4 photos: Lesvos, Greece, 5 May 2010
5th photo: Glyfada Reservoir, Samos, Greece, 3 May 2025

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