Key information
The bittern is 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. It's very small, reedbed-dependent population make it an Amber List species. It is also a Schedule 1 species.
What they eat:
Fish, amphibians and insects.
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 80 males
- UK wintering:
- 600 birds
- Europe:
- 21 - 29,000 pairs
Identifying features:
Bittern
