BRITISH BIRDS, 
47 
BITTERN. 
BOG-BUMPER, BITTER-BUM OR MIRE-DRUM. 
(^Ardea Stellarhf Lin. — Z>e Bufor, BufF.) 
The Bittern is nearly as large as the common 
Heron ; its legs are ftronger, body more plump 
and flefliy, and its neck is more thickly cloathed 
:^with feathers. The beak is ftrong at the bafe, 
ftraight, fliarp on the edges, and gradually tapers 
to an acute point ; the upper mandible is brown, 
'the under inclining to green ^ the mouth is wide. 
