Great Bittern
As part of the countdown to TAFU’s Local Wildlife Day on the 11th of July – Species no. 7.
Stay tuned – 36 more days and 36 more species until then!
The Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) is a large, secretive heron found primarily in dense reed beds across Europe and Asia. Measuring between 69 to 81 cm in length and with a wingspan of 100 to 130 cm, it has a distinctive buff-brown plumage with dark streaks and bars, aiding its camouflage among the reeds. The Great Bittern is known for its impressive booming call, which males use during the spring to establish territories and attract mates. This call can carry for up to five kilometers under the right conditions.
Great Bitterns are carnivorous, feeding mainly on fish, amphibians, and insects. They are very much adapted to their wetland environments, using their long, sharp bills to catch prey. Nesting usually occurs in dense reeds, where the female lays a clutch of eggs and cares for the chicks until they are fully fledged.
Despite being widespread, the Great Bittern is considered vulnerable in some regions due to habitat loss and wetland drainage. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring reed bed habitats to support their populations.
