2 8o BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



Bittern. 



'JOHN 



THE Bittern (Botaurus stellaris, Linnaeus) can only be 

 called a casual visitor to the British Isles in spring. At 

 one time it nested with us, but is said no longer to do so. 

 It is found also in most parts of the Eastern Hemisphere, 

 with the exception of the extreme north. The adult has 

 the upper parts more or less buff, with vermiculations of 

 brown and bars of dark brown ; forehead, crown, and 

 nape, brown ; side of chin, streaked with blackish ; rest of 

 plumage, more or less vermiculated, streaked, and marked 

 with chestnut, buff, and brown ; irides, brown ; bill, greenish- 

 yellow; legs and feet, greenish. Length, from twenty-five 

 to twenty-eight inches. The female is similar to the male. 

 The young resemble adults. 



