The Eurasian Bittern or Great Bittern is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae. It is one of the species to which the ''Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds'' applies.
Similar species: Pelicans, Herons, Ibises
By Roeselien Raimond
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Uploaded May 30, 2011.
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Stealthy, cryptic, and hiding in plain sight? The Eurasian bittern (Botaurus stellaris) is an elusive bird that can be hard to see…usually. Eurasian bitterns live in parts of Europe, as well as along the northern coast of Africa.
They are secretive birds that are rarely seen out in the open. Rather, they prefer to remain hidden among the reeds and vegetation of wetlands. Their streaked plumage allows them to blend in with their surroundings. They even sway their bodies to match the rhythm of reeds blowing in the wind!
When startled, a bittern points its bill directly upwards, freezes, and relies on its cryptic plumage to blend in with its surroundings. This behavior is called ‘bitterning’, and I’m sure it is a great strategy assuming there is a suitable background to blend into. The bittern in this photo at least gets points for trying. {Photo credit: Roeselien Raimond} #JungleDragon #Eurasianbittern #Botaurusstellaris
https://www.facebook.com/jungledragonwildlife/ Posted 5 years ago