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Photo: Dean Eades |
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UK
Safari Tip:
Never miss an unusual looking bird with this pocket sized 10 x 25
monocular from the Nature Shop - click
here
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See larger image
Latin name: Botaurus stellaris
Size: The bittern is approximately 80cm long and has a wingspan of up to
130cm
Distribution: Rare, but gradually increasing in numbers. In 2005 there
were 46 male bitterns found in the UK. The stronghold of the bittern remains in
East Anglia and Lancashire.
Months seen: All year round.
Habitat: Reed beds.
Food: Fish and amphibians.
Special features: The bittern has golden brown plumage which is
mottled and barred with black markings. This colouring makes it extremely
difficult to spot in its favoured wet reed bed habitat. Especially as it can
stand motionless for long periods at a time.
The bittern has a distinctive booming call, with the males audible for up to three miles. Monitoring these calls enables researchers to count these otherwise secretive birds.
 Bitterns
are members of the heron family, which is noticeable when the bird is in flight.
This one was spotted from the Fen Hide at Titchwell in Norfolk.
UK Safari Bird Section
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