Bittern

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Habitat and behaviour

Habitat: Large reedbeds.
Diet: Fish, amphibians.
Best time to spot: Booming call carries miles.

When to look

Scarce or local in the UK. Timing varies by region, so check recent sightings before you travel. More on the season in Bird migration in Britain.

How rare is it?

The Bittern sits in our Rare tier for the UK: scarce or very local, so most birders need a planned trip. It is Amber-listed in Birds of Conservation Concern 5, the middle level of concern in the UK. It is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, so it is an offence to disturb it at or near the nest. We blur the location of every sighting of this species.

Where to see it

Reserves where the Bittern is on the list:

• RSPB Ham Wall
• RSPB Leighton Moss
• RSPB Minsmere

Recent UK sightings

Similar birds

• American BitternLegendary · Reedbeds (very rare vagrant)
• Least BitternLegendary · Reedbeds (extreme vagrant)
• Bearded TitUncommon · Large reedbeds (E. England)
• Purple HeronRare · Reedbeds (rare breeder)
• Savi's WarblerRare · Reedbeds (very rare breeder)
• Great White EgretUncommon · Marshes

Kit that helps

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