BITTERN. 



COMMON BITTERN. MIEE DRUM. BITTER BUMP. BOG BUMPEE. 



PLATE CLXI. FIG. II. 



Botauws stellaris, SELBY. 



Ardea sfellaris, PENNANT. 



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. Dr. Thieneman says 

 that the bird is careful to put it upon a mass of fallen reeds and 

 prostrate rushes, so as to be beyond the effects of any temporary 

 rising of the water. 



The eggs, which are of a similar shape at either end, 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 soon able to shift for themselves. 



The figure on the plate is from an egg (taken in Norfolk,) in Mr. 

 Smith's cabinet. 



VOL. III. 



