PLATE LXXXV. 
The Bittern. 
T Inches. 
HE length from the tip of the bill to the end of the claws - - . - 40 
from point to point of the wings extended - - - . . . 
from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail - - - - - 28 
of the bill , 
4 
of the neck - .. - . . _ . -12' 
from the knee to the tip of the middle claw - . . . g 
Its head is fmall, narrow, and compreffed at the fides. At the angles of the mouth, according to 
Willoughby, on each fide is a black fpot; but, in the bird here defcribed, it differed. Tail 
feathers are ten in number. Its bill is flrait, flrong, thick at the head, and fharp at the point, 
having very fharp fides or edges. The fides of the lower mandible fall within the upper, which hath 
a long furrow, wherein are the noflrils. The tongue is fharp, and reaches fcarcely to the middle 
of the bill. The middle claw is ferrated on the interior edge, feemingly for the purpofe of 
holding fall fiippery fifh, as in herons, &c. According to Willoughby, it begins to bellow about 
the beginning of February, and ceafes when breeding time is over. The common people are of 
opinion, that it thrufts its bill into a reed; by the help whereof, it makes that lowing or 
drumming noife. Others fay, that it thrufts its bill into the water, or mud or earth ; and, by that 
means, imitates the lowing of an ox. It hides itfelf commonly among reeds and ruflies ; and 
fometimes lies in hedges, with its head and neck erefl. The gullet, jufl below the bill, may be 
vaflly dilated. 
The Bittern, above all other birds, is faid to ftrike at mens' eyes. It builds upon the ground, 
commonly in a tuft of rufhes ; lays four or five eggs, of a round figure, and whitifli colour, inclin- 
ing to cinerious or green, not fpotted at all. This, without doubt, is the bird our common people 
call the Night Raven. 
No. XXIX. Q q 
