BITTEEN. 



BOTAURUS STELLARIS {Linn.). 



Ardea stellaris, Linn. S. N. i. p. 239 (1766) ; Nauni. is. 



p. 159. 

 Botaurus stellarisj Macg. iv. p. 410 ; Hewitson, ii. p. 316 ; 



Yarr. ed. 4, iv. p. 206; Dresser, vi. p. 281. 



Le Grand Butor, French ; Grosse Rohrdommel, German ; 

 Ave-turo, Spanish. 



This bird, formerly common as a resident in the 

 undrained fens and marshes of the United Kingdom, is 

 now virtually a by no means abundant winter visitor, 

 though we occasionally hear of Bitterns found in the 

 " Broad " district of our eastern counties at a time of 

 year that would at least seem to indicate an intention 

 of nesting. This fine species is still common in the 

 great marshes of Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe; 

 in my own experience more abundant in Eastern Sicily 

 than any locality with which I am acquainted. It 

 breeds also in Spain. The Bittern loves reed-jungles, 

 and is almost as nocturnal in habits as the Owls. 



The drawing for the Plate was taken from life in the 

 aviary at Lilford. 



