American Bittern II by monjo71

Photography • Animals • posted on Jul 22, 2013

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Description

This is an American Bittern. This stocky heron is heavily streaked with tan, brown, and white over its entire body. Darker wings and flight feathers, a black face, and neck streaks accentuate the plumage.It is a medium-sized heron inhabiting reed beds, is rarely seen because of its remarkable camouflage. As you can see in this pose, when spotted it remains perfectly still and raises its long pointed bill skyward to further blend into its surroundings. However, it makes its presence known with its booming song, which can be heard long distances away, particularly at dawn or dusk in the spring. Males and females have similar plumage. The bittern has a 3 foot wingspan, and is approximately 2.5 feet long from the tip of its long pointed bill to the end of its tail. While the bird appears quite large, it weighs only about a pound.

Comments (11)

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jayfar

10:00AM | Mon, 22 July 2013

An excellent shot yet again.

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Rhett55

11:36AM | Mon, 22 July 2013

Very nice shot. 5 stars for the patience to wait for the shot :)

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kgb224

2:42PM | Mon, 22 July 2013

Superb capture my friend. God bless.

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durleybeachbum

2:45PM | Mon, 22 July 2013

I have yet to see one of ours. Superb pic.

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jeroni

5:44PM | Mon, 22 July 2013

This is super cute my dear friend

alanwilliams

5:48PM | Mon, 22 July 2013

wonderful, i have been listening to their beautiful booming calls down on the Somerset levels, but haven't seen one since i was a kid many moons ago

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MrsRatbag

8:40PM | Mon, 22 July 2013

Wonderful capture; I think I saw one once, but it was a long way away and I couldn't be certain.

whaleman

2:02AM | Tue, 23 July 2013

Excellent photo! Around here they also make a metallic clinking sound that I have heard many times, but I have still never seen one of these!

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Richardphotos

5:34AM | Tue, 23 July 2013

beautiful bird and photo

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dakotabluemoon

6:45AM | Tue, 23 July 2013

Something different and such a beauty u do a wonderful job of showing these birds on camera i think i hear National Geographic calling lol fantastic work.

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