Plate LXII. 
Fig. 2. BOTAURUS L Ell TIG IN OS US— A merican Bittern. 
The American Bittern arrives in the southern part of Ohio early in March, on its way to northern 
breeding grounds. A few individuals find suitable localities in the southern counties, but its occurrence 
in summer south of the lake marshes is irregular and uncertain. In the fall it is often seen about 
swampy places, and if undisturbed remains until cold weather. Like other members of its tribe, it is a morose 
and solitary bird, and is seldom seen unless seared from its haunts by the intrusion of a stranger. It 
builds its nest about the middle or last of May, at which time it is extremely shy. But one brood is 
probably reared by a single pair during the season. 
LOCALITY : 
Swampy districts overgrown with long grass, bushes, and weeds, and retired islands, with abundant rank 
vegetation, are the favorite nesting localities. The nearer overflowed such an island may be, without being 
actually under water, the better pleased is the bird. At least spots of this description contain the most nests. 
POSITION : 
The nest is situated on the ground, often but a few inches above water, and occasionally is built in 
shallow water, and is concealed from view by the surrounding bushes, grass, and weeds. 
MATERIALS : 
The nest is composed of sticks, often some of these are quite large for the purpose, with perhaps a 
rude attempt at lining with coarse grass and weeds. 
EGGS: 
The eggs are from three to six in number. In color they vary from dingy greenish-blue to olive-brown, 
and are unspotted. They measure from 1.95 to 2.20 in long-diameter, and from 1.40 to 1.60 in short-diameter. 
Mr. 0. J. Maynard gives their dimensions as follows: Long-diameter, 2.10 to 2.25; short-diameter, 1.65 to 1.80. 
DIFFERENTIAL POINTS : 
The size and color of the Bittern’s eggs will usually suffice to distinguish them at once. When 
together with the nest identification is certain, as there is no other species laying eggs of this size and color, 
which builds a similar nest. 
REMARKS : 
The three eggs figured, Fig. 2, Plate LXII, were selected from several sets, and show the common 
sizes and various colorings met with in eggs which have been blown for several years. 
247 
