BITTERN, the name for wading birds, allied to the heron, from which they differ by their shorter neck, with its long, mov able feathers in front, and their stouter build. Solitary and noc turnal, they haunt swamps and marshes, feeding on fish, insects and small quadrupeds. The com mon bittern (Botaurus stellaris) was formerly abundant in Britain, but became extinct during the 19th century. It has now re established itself in the Norfolk Broads, and is found in most parts of the eastern hemisphere. The "booming" of the bittern during the breeding season is characteristic. When wishing to escape notice, the bird stands still, with bill directed upwards. In this attitude, the dark streaks on the plumage render it invisible among the reeds at a short distance. The four or five olive-brown eggs are laid in a rude nest of reeds and flags. In courtship, it erects two tufts of feathers in the shoulder region. The American bittern (B. lentiginosus) is slightly smaller; it occurs in central and southern N. America.