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"The bitterns are distinguished from the herons proper, besides other characteristics, by having the feathers of the neck loose and divided, which makes it appear thicker than in reality it is."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

Bittern

"The bitterns are distinguished from the herons proper, besides other characteristics, by having the…

"Botaurus. Bittern. Bill moderately longer than head, shorter than tarsus, which is shorter than middle toe and claw. tarsus broadly scutellate in front. No crests or peculiar dorsal plumes; neck-feathers long and loose; plumage blended, spotty and streaky. Neck in part bare behind. Sexes and young alike." Elliot Coues, 1884

Bittern

"Botaurus. Bittern. Bill moderately longer than head, shorter than tarsus, which is shorter than middle…

A bittern, a type of fowl, is about the size of a heron.

Bittern

A bittern, a type of fowl, is about the size of a heron.

"Botaurus. Bittern. Bill moderately longer than head, shorter than tarsus, which is shorter than middle toe and claw." Elliot Coues, 1884

The Bill of a Bittern

"Botaurus. Bittern. Bill moderately longer than head, shorter than tarsus, which is shorter than middle…

Measuring approximately twenty-six inches in length, the American bittern is a nocturnal hunter. It can be found throughout North America.

American Bittern

Measuring approximately twenty-six inches in length, the American bittern is a nocturnal hunter. It…

The common bittern of Europe feeds at night, primarily on frogs, lizards, small birds, and fish.

Common Bittern

The common bittern of Europe feeds at night, primarily on frogs, lizards, small birds, and fish.

"Eurypyga helias, Sun-Bittern, has a black head, with a white stripe above and under each eye, and a white throat: the remaining plumage "being variegated with black, brown, chestnut, bay, buff, grey, and white-so mottled, speckled, and belted either in wave-like or zigzag forms, as somewhat to resemble certain moths. The bay colour forms two conspicuous patches on each wing, and also an antepenultimate bar on the tail, behind which is a subterminal band of black. The irides are red; the bill isgreenish-olive; and the legs are pale yellow." A. H. Evans, 1900

Sun-Bittern

"Eurypyga helias, Sun-Bittern, has a black head, with a white stripe above and under each eye, and a…

The Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) is a bird native to the tropical regions of America.

Sunbittern in Swamp

The Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) is a bird native to the tropical regions of America.