Birds of Britain 



unmolested it is probable that it would once more nest 

 with us. 



The nest is a heap of reeds placed on the marsh in the 

 thickest part of a reed-bed. The eggs are usually four in 

 number and of a uniform brownish olive colour. In the 

 breeding season it utters a loud " booming " noise, but at 

 other times it is a very silent bird. 



The adult is buff, irregularly barred and streaked all 

 over with black, except on the head, which is pure black. 

 Sexes and young are alike in plumage. Length 28 in.; 

 wing 13 in. 



THE AMERICAN BITTERN 



Botaurus lentiginosus (Montagu) 



This bird was, curiously enough, first described from a 

 specimen killed in Dorset. It is a purely American species, 

 but a good many examples have been taken in all parts 

 of the United Kingdom. It may be distinguished from 

 the preceding species by its smaller size, darker colora- 

 tion, and uniformly brown primaries. Length 24 in. ; 

 wing 11 in. 



THE WHITE STORK 



Ciconia alba, Bechstein 



It is curious that a bird so common and well protected 

 on the Continent should not be of more general occurrence 



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