BITTERN 



COMMON BITTERN MIRE DRUM. 



PLATE CLXI. FIGURE II. 



Botaurus stellaris^ ..... YARRELL. 

 Ardea stellaris, LINNAEUS. 



THE Bittern was formerly common in the British Islands, 

 but is now a rare straggler, not breeding in this country. 



The nest of this species is made of sticks, reeds, and 

 other rough materials, and is generally placed on the ground, 

 in the thickest part of the vegetation, not far from the 

 water's edge. 



The eggs are from three to four or five in number, and 

 of a uniform pale-brown colour. The female sits on them, 

 and the male brings her food while thus engaged. The 

 young are fed by the parents until fully fledged and able 

 to shift for themselves. 



