bittern
Botaurus stellaris

Large brown secretive heron of dense reedbeds

Habitat: freshwater marshes with large reedbeds

Uncommon breeding bird in E. Anglia though declining; scarce winter visitor

Heavily camouflaged with brown and buff streaks; large dagger-like bill; greenish-yellow legs

Wades in reedbeds, normally seen by chance during excursions across open areas

Eats fish, amphibians; flies with head tucked in and legs trailing

Nest is a platform of reeds and twigs on ground amongst reedbed

1 sometimes 2 broods, April – May; 3-4 eggs pale greenish blue