The RSPB: Bittern

Bittern

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Latin name

Botaurus stellaris

Family

Bitterns and herons (Ardeidae)

Overview

A thickset heron with all-over bright, pale, buffy-brown plumage covered with dark streaks and bars. It flies on broad, rounded, bowed wings. A secretive bird, very difficult to see, as it moves silently through reeds at water's edge, looking for fish. The males make a remarkable far-carrying, booming sound in spring. Its dependence on reedbeds and very small population make it a Red List species - one of the most threatened in the UK.

Where to see them

Wetlands with large reedbeds, especially RSPB reserves at Minsmere, Suffolk and Leighton Moss, Lancashire. In winter it can also be watched at viewing sites in the Lea Valley, Hertfordshire.

When to see them

All year round. Most visible in winter at certain sites.

What they eat

Fish, amphibians and insects.

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
34-54,000 males	51 males	50-150 birds	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

In the UK: Southern England, mainly East Anglia and Lancashire.
In Europe: Most of Europe, except for the far north.
Worldwide: Europe, Africa and Asia

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)