COMMON BITTERN. 
145 
The nest is said to be placed on the ground, near 
the waters edge, among thick reeds or aquatic 
herbage, and the eggs are of a uniform pale 
brown.* 
In active habits the Bittern is chiefly nocturnal, 
remaining during the day in its covert retreat, and 
coming forth in the evening and twilight to feed ; 
and it is at this time, as well as in the morn- 
ing, that its peculiar booming noise is uttered, to 
which has been attached various superstitions, and 
also singular conjectures as to the manner in which 
it was produced. "We do not find it stated whether 
it is a general call, or is more particularly uttered 
during, or immediately antecedent to the season of 
incubation, such as the drumming noise of the snipe, 
and the call of some of the rails ; at other times, and 
when surprised, the cry is different, being harsh and 
sharp. The food, we should consider, was seized by 
watching, somewhat in the manner of true herons. 
Any thing having motion is struck at, whether 
perfectly seen or not, and the prey is swallowed 
whole ; thus, we have taken a water rail from the 
stomach of one, and perceive that similar instances 
have elsewhere occurred.t Fish or aquatic reptiles 
are probably the most general food. 
In olden times, both the Bittern and heron were 
esteemed for food, particularly the young birds ; 
now they are never brought to the table, which may 
perhaps be from some prejudice existing against 
them as fishy-tasted, for we have heard more than 
* Yarrell. t Yarrell. 
K 
