Bittern Botaurus stellaris

The Bittern, also called the Eurasian or Great Bittern to distinguish from other bittern species, is native to parts of Europe and northern Asia.

Some birds in the UK are resident all year, breeding in three coastal pockets of reed beds (mainly RSPB reserves). Bitterns in Eastern Europe and northern Asia migrate south for the winter.

Bitterns, related to herons, are shy and elusive birds, rarely seen since they are well-camouflaged in the reed beds they live in.

The male is more often heard in spring with his deep booming call from the reed beds.

The aerodynamic headshape in flight.