THE BITTERN. 



THE Bittern is stouter than the Common 

 Heron, but not quite so large as that bird : the 

 greater part of its plumage is marked with a 

 multitude of small streaks and specks of black, 

 on a rust-coloured ground. The beak is very 

 strong at the base, and tapers gradually to a 

 very sharp point ; the mandibles open behind 

 the eyes ; the top of the head is covered with 

 a kind of crest of long feathers, which the bird 

 can raise at will ; the legs are of a palish green 

 colour ; the claws are long and sharp, and the 

 middle one serrated. Bitterns, in the manner 

 of taking their food, and in their general habits, 

 very much resemble the Common Heron ; but 

 they are by no means deficient in courage. 

 When attacked by a bird of prey, the Bittern 

 bravely defends itself, and frequently repulses 

 its assailant ; and if wounded, so as to be in- 

 capable of flying, it will not scruple to attack 



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