Big
aquatic bird unmistakable with any other species. Plumage
subtly mottled in various shades of brown, which help it to
blend with the reed stalks amongst which it lives. Compact
structure with a heavy neck, it has robust legs that hang
during flight and a big bill.
Diet
Bitterns
mainly feed on fish, especially eels, amphibians and invertebrates.
It can also feed on worms, molluscs, crustaceans, spiders,
small lizards, small birds and small mammals.
Habits
Crepuscular
bird that during the day remains hidden between the reeds
thanks to its camouflage; when startled it adopts a camouflage
posture, bill pointing upwards and neck stretched vertically.
Its loud booming call, that reminds us o His stop and fort
shout nocturnal has created many legends.
Reproduction
In spite of having little data on its reproduction, we know
that eggs (up to 6) are laid between April and May.
Habitat
and distribution
They
breed in swamps dominated by reed mace or common bulrush,
avoiding sectors with acid or contaminated waters or those
with trees and shrubs. In Catalonia they select environments
where reed predominates and specially those with free waters.
Nesting bird in all the Palaearctic. Good part of the population
is resident, although those that live in higher latitudes
show a migratory nature, as it is confirmed by observations
during migration periods and by the arrival of over-winterers
to southern areas.
Threats
Habitat
loss and degradation. Drought in humid areas, legal hunting
and nocturnal hunting in humid areas and the laying of electrical
cables are other threats.
