THE BITTERN. 
The Bittern 4s stouter than the Common 
Heron, but not quite so large as that bird : the 
greater part of its plumage is marked with a 
multitude of small streaks and specks of black, 
on a rust-coloured ground. The beak is very 
strong at the base, and tapers gradually to a 
very sharp point ; the mandibles open behind 
the eyes ; the top of the head is covered with 
a kind of crest of long feathers, which the bird 
can raise at will ; the legs are of a palish green 
colour ; the claws are long and sharp, and the 
middle one serrated. Bitterns, in the manner 
of taking their food, and in their general habits, 
very much resemble the Common Heron ; but 
they are by no means deficient in courage. 
When attacked by a bird of prey, the Bittern 
bravely defends itself, and frequently repulses 
its assailant ; and if wounded, so as to be in- 
capable of flying, it will not scruple to attack 
( 128 ) 
