BITTEEN.
BOTAURUS STELLARIS (Linn.).
Ardea stellaris, Linn. S. N. i. p. 239 (1766); Naum. ix.
p. 159.
Botaurus stellaris, Macg. iv. p. 410; Hewitson, ii. p. 316;
Yarr. ed. 4, iv. p. 206; Dresser, vi. p. 281.
Le Grand Butor, French; Grosse Rohrdommel, German;
Ave-toro, Spanish.
This bird, formerly common as a resident in the
undrained fens and marshes of the United Kingdom, is
now virtually a by no means abundant winter visitor,
though we occasionally hear of Bitterns found in the
“ Broad ” district of our eastern counties at a time of
year that would at least seem to indicate an intention
of nesting. This fine species is still common in the
great marshes of Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe;
in my own experience more abundant in Eastern Sicily
than any locality with which I am acquainted. It
breeds also in Spain. The Bittern loves reed-jungles,
and is almost as nocturnal in habits as the Owls.
The drawing for the Plate was taken from life in the
aviary at Lilford.
Litho. W. Grev e , B e rlin
B I T T E R N .
(Botaurus stellaris.)