COMMON BITTERN. 145 



The nest is said to be placed on the ground, near 

 the waters edge, among- thick reeds or aquatic 

 herbage, and the eggs are of a uniform pale 

 brown.* 



In active habits the Bittern is chiefly nocturnal, 

 remaining during the day in its covert retreat, and 

 coming forth in the evening and twilight to feed ; 

 and it is at this time, as well as in the morn- 

 ing, that its peculiar booming noise is uttered, to 

 which has been attached various superstitions, and 

 also singular conjectures as to the manner in which 

 it was produced. We do not find it stated whether 

 it is a general call, or is more particularly uttered 

 during, or immediately antecedent to the season of 

 incubation, such as the drumming noise of the snipe, 

 and the call of some of the rails ; at other times, and 

 when surprised, the cry is different, being harsh and 

 sharp. The food, we should consider, was seized by 

 watching, somewhat in the manner of true herons. 

 Any thing having motion is struck at, whether 

 perfectly seen or not, and the prey is swallowed 

 whole ; thus, we have taken a water rail from the 

 stomach of one, and perceive that similar instances 

 have elsewhere occurred. t Fish or aquatic reptiles 

 are probably the most general food. 



In olden times, both the Bittern and heron were 

 esteemed for food, particularly the young birds ; 

 now they are never brought to the table, which may 

 perhaps be from some prejudice existing against 

 them as fishy- tasted, for we have heard more than 

 * Yarrell. f Yarrell. 



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