Bittern

Habitat : lakes, marshes, coasts.

Diet : fish, amphibians, small mammals, birds, insects.

Breeding : 3-6 olive brown (large bitterns) or whitish green (small bitterns) eggs ; 14-20 days in-cubation.

Size : length 27-85cm ; weight up to 1.9kg.

Plumage : mainly brown steaked with black.


How would you describe a bittern ?

Bitterns are a subfamily of the Herons. Like herons, bitterns have long, pointed bills but the neck is shorter and thicker than that of the common heron and the body is rather smaller. The plumage is brown, mottled with black, with a white chin and black cap. The feathers down the neck are long, forming a kind of ruff. They feed on small aquatic animals and nest on the ground ; 3 to 6 eggs are laid.

The most familiar species in Europe is known for its booming call, like the bellow of a bull. The American bittern differs from the European species in that it has a black patch on either side of the neck, the plumage is more steaked, and it does not have a black cap. The American bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus, when approached, may stand upright with its bills pointed to the sky. It is about 75cm long.