3M 



LAKES AND STREAMS 



than the raven -like cry uttered by botli sexes. There have been various 

 suggestions as to how the " boom " is produced ; at one time it was believed 

 that the bittern boomed with his beak full of water, but from observations 

 made in America it would seem that the bird really inhales a quantity of 



THE BITTERN. 



air, and that the peculiar drum-like sound comes from the dilated crop and 

 from the throat. 



The little bittern (Ardetta minuta) is very similar in its habits 

 and its choice of situation to its larger relative. The nest is a 

 substantial structure of reeds and flags, generally hung among reeds a little 



Little Bittern. 



