Owing to drainage and cultivation, the Bittern, which used formerly to breed in various swamps and reed-beds, especially in our eastern counties, is now only known as a migrant. It still occurs yearly on our shores, and if unmolested it is probable that it would once more nest with us.

The nest is a heap of reeds placed on the marsh in the thickest part of a reed-bed. The eggs are usually four in number and of a uniform brownish olive colour. In the breeding season it utters a loud “booming” noise, but at other times it is a very silent bird.

The adult is buff, irregularly barred and streaked all over with black, except on the head, which is pure black. Sexes and young are alike in plumage. Length 28 in.; wing 13 in.