standing tall with bill pointed skyward (Illinois, USA; 2008-04-25)


American Bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus

Native Range: North America

Notes: often stands still among reeds in marshes, its bill pointed skyward such that the vertical stripes on its neck provide camoflage; song a series of deep gulping notes reminescent of an old-fashioned water pump


head up but with eyes still looking down (Illinois, USA; 2008-04-25)

in reeds (California, USA; 2008-01-13)

nicely camoflaged (California, USA; 2008-01-13)

stalking crayfish prey (California, USA; 2008-01-13)

slanting posture (California, USA; 2008-01-13)

in flight; note black primaries and secondaries (California, USA; 2011-12-13)