Birrern. GRALLATORES. BOTAURUS. 31 
of the island are not birds permanently resident, but such as 
visit us during the course of their migration from other 
countries ; as the instances of their being taken now general- 
ly occur during the later autumnal or the winter months. 
This has been particularly the case in the present winter 
(1830-1), during which a more than usual number of Bit- 
terns has been killed in various parts of the kingdom; and 
I am credibly informed, that no less than ten were exposed 
for sale in one morning at Bath. 
The habits of the Bittern are solitary, bande being a night- Habits. 
feeding bird, it remains:-quiet during the day, sonecaled in 
the reeds and long herbage of its marshy haunts. In this 
state, it generally sits closely squatted, with the neck bent, 
so that the head rests between the shoulders; and, when thus 
dosing, and digesting the meal of the previous night, it will 
frequently allow itself to be nearly trodden upon before it 
will take wing, or endeavour to escape; and even when 
roused, it seldom flies to any considerable distance. When 
wounded or surprised, and unable to escape, it defends itself 
with vigour, and as it always aims at the eyes of its enemy 
with its strong and sharp-pointed bill, a considerable degree 
of caution must be used in capturing it. When attacked by 
a dog, it throws itself upon its back, like the Owls and other 
raptorial birds, and strikes with its claws as well as with its 
bill; and in this manner it will keep the most resolute dog 
at bay, as the infliction of a stroke or two of the latter spear- 
like weapon is commonly sufficient to keep him afterwards 
at a respectful distance. The Bittern used to afford excel- 
lent sport in falconry ; for when flown at, it immediately be- 
gins to soar, rising in spiral circles, and endeavouring to 
keep above its enemy. Should this manceuvre fail, it then 
prepares for the descent of the Hawk, by setting its sharp 
bill perpendicularly upwards, upon which its impetuous an- 
tagonist frequently transfixes itself, or is so severely wound- 
ed as to be obliged to give up a second attack. The bellow- 
ing or booming noise of the Bittern is confined to the pair- 
sty 
