116 
criminately. There are no Storks in Canada. The Cranes are quite 
distinctly characterized from Herons. The birds commonly called Cranes 
are^usually true Herons. The family is divided into two subfamilies: 
Botaurinae, the Bitterns; and Ardeinae, the true Herons and Egrets. 
Subfamily — Botaurinae. Bitterns 
General Description. Marsh-inhabiting, heron-like birds of heavier and less graceful 
build and habit than the true Herons. 
Distinctions. Though forming a well-marked subfamily they are difficult to define 
in a non-technical explanation. We have but two species under consideration. The Least 
Bittern is so small, only 13 inches long, as to be unmistakable for any other Canadian 
heron-like Wader. The American Bittern with its strongly ochraceous yellow coloration 
and size can be confused only with the juvenile Night Heron ( See that species). 
Bitterns are bog and marsh haunters. They do not frequent wide, 
open reaches of water, but drop down in the middle or on the edges of 
grass or reed-grown marshes, stalking their prey by silent approach through 
the close cover. 
190. American Bittern, marsh hen. thunder-pump, stake-driver. Botaurus 
lentignosus. L, 28. Plate XIII B. 
Distinctions. With its size, general yellowish coloration with fine vermiculation and 
pattern above, this bird can be mistaken for no other Canadian species. It is most like the 
juvenile Night Heron, but a comparison of Plates XIII B and XIV B will show that the 
latter has no pattern on the back or only a simple one, whereas the Bittern shows there a 
very fine and mtricate vermiculated design. The black line from the sides of the face may 
be present or absent, regardless of sex, age, or season. 
Field Marks. As the bird rises from the reeds or grass its long neck, dangling legs, 
and general yellowish coloration are easily recognized. The juvenile Night Heron may 
seem similar but is never so decidedly yellow and the wing quills are not in such black 
contrast with the rest of the body. At a distance, in flight, its outline, head drawn in to the 
body and legs reaching out behind, is so similar to that of the Herons that unless the light 
so falls as to show the colour, only apparent size differentiates them. Rapidity of wing 
beat is often a clue to difference in size when other bases of comparison are absent. A 
large bird can never beat its long wings as rapidly as a small one can. 
Nesting. On the ground, in grass, hayfields, or reed-grown marshes. Nest of grass 
or reeds. 
Distribution. Across the continent, in the west, north to Great Slave lake, and 
southern Alaska, breeding wherever found. 
References to the lonely booming of the Bittern are frequent in 
English literature. We can hardly say that our American Bittern “booms/' 
but its note is most peculiar and is unique amongst American bird notes. 
The common names, “Thunder-pump" and “Stake-driver," are applied 
in reference to the strange noises it makes. Near a marsh one may hear 
a sound as of some one driving a stake with a wooden maul into soft mud. 
There is the dull thud of the blow with a sucking liquid echo, followed 
closely by a squdgy drive. At other times sounds are heard like some one 
frantically working a dry suction-pump that draws the water part way 
and refuses to lift it farther. These are variants of the Bittern’s love song 
and contain no recognizable vocal qualities. 
Economic Status . The Bittern is a bog haunter and eats frogs, craw- 
fish, snakes, small fish, crustaceans, insects, and probably even young 
birds and mice. It eats little or no vegetable matter. Bitterns are quite 
harmless as a class and may be useful. 
191. Least Bittern. Ixobrychus exilis. L, 13. Smallest heron-like Wader found 
in Canada. Coloured in broad masses of creams, ochres, and Indian reds, with black 
or brown back and cap, depending on sex. 
