Eurasian Bittern

Botaurus stellaris (Linnaeus, 1758)

Eurasian Bittern, Botaurus stellaris, is a heron relative found across the Palearctic and in Africa, with breeding in Europe, northern Africa and other parts of its range, and non-breeding records in Africa, northern Oceania and northern South America. It is a secretive wetland bird that lives close to water in reed beds and dense cover. The male’s booming spring call is the main sign of its presence. Two subspecies are recognised, with the northern form in Europe and the Palearctic, and the southern form confined to southern Africa.

Order

Pelecaniformes

Family

Ardeidae — Herons, Bitterns

Breeding range

Palearctic, Africa: widespread

Nonbreeding range

AF, n OR