Species Name: Bittern - Botaurus stellaris
Key Facts:
Large brown secretive heron of dense reedbeds
Habitat: freshwater marshes with large reedbeds
Uncommon breeding bird in E. Anglia though declining; scarce winter visitor
Identification:
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
Life Cycle:
Nest is a platform of reeds and twigs on ground amongst reedbed
1 sometimes 2 broods, April – May; 3-4 eggs pale greenish blue