Great Bittern

1.Bird Name
English Name: Great Bittern
Scientific Name: Botaurus stellaris

2.Appearance
The Great Bittern is a large and sturdy bird, possessing a thick elongated body and a broad neck. It has a unique color palette composed of rich brown interspersed with black, with darker and lighter shades scattered throughout their plumage creating a mottling effect. It also has a distinctive black patch stretched out from its yellow-green bill across its eyes down to the sides of its neck. This bird is hard to spot due to its secretive nature and perfect blend with the reeds. There is slight sexual dimorphism in this species; males are more substantial and darker than females, while females exhibit a slightly more washed-out color scheme compared to their male counterparts.

3.Size
The length of the Great Bittern ranges from 69-81 cm (27-32 inches), with a wingspan reaching up to 130-170 cm (51-67 inches). Males are heavier, weighing between 0.87–1.94 kg (1.92–4.28 lb), whereas females weigh between 0.67–1.3 kg (1.48–2.87 lb).

4.Habitat & Distribution
The Great Bittern is found across large parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It also migrates to Western Europe and South Asia during winter. These birds are typically found in wetland habitats, boasting dense stands of reeds and similar vegetation. They are specifically adapted to wet marshland and reedbeds.

5.Interesting Facts
• Great Bittern is an expert at camouflage. When alarmed, it straightens up its neck, mimicking reeds, to hide from predators.
• Their loud and distinctive booming call is a characteristic sound in spring and is often mistaken for the sound of a distant foghorn.
• Despite being a water bird, the Great Bittern is a poor swimmer and seldom enters open water.

6.Diet
Great Bitterns are carnivorous birds. Their diet is dominated by fish, which it catches by stabbing them with its long, sharp beak. However, it also dines on amphibians, insects, and small mammals.

7.Behavior & Sounds
The Great Bittern is secretive and solitary. It mostly moves silently through the reeds, hunting patiently in shallow water. To mark its territory or allure females during the mating season, males generate a low frequency, loud booming call that can be heard up to 5 km away.

8.Conservation Status
Currently, the Great Bittern is classified as ‘Least Concern’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, it had suffered a significant decline in the UK during the 20th century due to habitat loss, making it a high-priority species for conservation efforts.

9.Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Great Bittern is approximately 15 years in the wild. In captivity, their lifespan may extend slightly due to constant access to food and protection from predators.

10.Additional Notes
• In French its local name is “Butor étoilé”, and in German, it is “Rohrdommel”
• They are extremely private birds, due to their preference for dense vegetation and their skilled camouflage.
• The Great Bittern plays a crucial role in controlling the population of fish and insects in its habitat.
• To attract females, males use their unique booming call – a crucial part of the reproductive cycle of these birds. Often, the male with the loudest and most consistent call wins the favor of the female.