78 
REMARKS ON THE BITTERNS. 
At sight, or perhaps hearing, of an enemy, they either run off with considerable 
speed, threading the interstices of the reeds, and insinuating themselves with ease 
through extremely narrow passages, which renders them difficult to flush; and, 
if at length they rise, fly heavily to only a short distance, with neck extended, 
and legs drooping; reminding one forcibly of the Rallidce (though sometimes they 
will soar spirally till lost to the view) ; or they lie close, instinctively trusting to 
the resemblance of their tints to that of the surface, and, if discovered, boldly 
await the attack, crouching and puffing their whole plumage, and opening the 
wings, so as to present a complete ball of feathers to their adversary ; the neck 
being at the same time retracted, and head held very low, with the beak pointing 
upwards, and the smooth feathers of the crown appearing (as usual) continuous 
with the back plumage, which latter is raised high. This has erroneously been 
represented as their common attitude of rest.* Upon attack, they dart the bill 
upward, invariably aiming at the eye of their assailant; and have many times 
been known to blind a Dog with this powerful and sharp-pointed weapon; when 
they run, it is to seek a place of concealment; and our native species has been 
known to turn and stand at bay with a Water Spaniel. Indeed few Dogs will 
renew the contest with it after receiving one or two thrusts of its bill. Several 
oil paintings (no doubt commemorative of the witnessed fact) represent this 
bird, and also the Heron, as having transfixed the Falcon in its impetuous 
descent; and from what I have seen of the Bittern’s upward thrust, when on the 
ground, I have no doubt whatever that this is its constant endeatour when 
pursued by a Falcon; for which reason the latter, most generally, strikes at the 
pinion of its quarry, which, I am fully aware, when gradually descending 
wounded, makes no further attempt at defence till it reaches the ground. The 
pursuit of the Bittern was eagerly followed in days of yore, not only on account 
of the elegant manner in which it endeavoured to soar spirally above its enemy, 
but for the excellency of its flesh, which is still held in estimation; as is also 
that of the transatlantic species by the Anglo-Americans. I can myself bear 
testimony to its goodness, and freedom from any kind whatever of unpleasant 
flavour. 
From their size and sluggish flight, when forced to take wing, these birds 
present an easy mark to the gunner; and a small charge of shot suffices to bring 
one down, on account of the extreme slightness of its frame, common, as before 
stated, to all the Ardeidce; though at the same time they are very tenacious of 
life. If only slightly disabled, however, it quickly throws itself on its back, and 
defends itself so desperately with both beak and claws, as to require considerable 
caution in the handling; it never attempts to strike with the former dangerous 
Vide Regne Animal. 
