A thickset heron with all-over bright, pale, buffy-brown plumage covered with dark streaks and bars. It flies on broad, rounded, bowed wings. A secretive bird, very difficult to see, as it moves silently through reeds at water's edge, looking for fish. The males make a remarkable far-carrying, booming sound in spring. Its dependence on reedbeds and very small population make it a Red List species - one of the most threatened in the UK.
Key ID Features:
Heavily camouflaged buff-brown and black plumage perfectly suited to its preferred environment of wet reedbeds of deeper water.
The 'booming' call of the male is heard more often than this secretive bird is seen.
Rounded, bowed wings in flight.
Overview
Scientific name: Botaurus stellaris
Family: Bitterns and herons (Ardeidae)
Where to see them:
Wetlands with large reedbeds, especially RSPB reserves at Minsmere (Suffolk) and Leighton Moss (Lancashire).
Seen in UK: All year round but more visible in winter when reeds are less dense.
What they eat
Fish, amphibians and insects.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Location: Blashford Lakes
Photographer: Tim Tapley
