Birds
Botaurus stellaris

Eurasian Bittern

Eurasian Bittern

50
1 day ago
Spotted
The Eurasian Bittern is a large, secretive heron with cryptic brown and streaky plumage, perfectly camouflaged for life in dense reedbeds. It is more often heard than seen, thanks to its booming call.
Where to spot
Found in extensive freshwater reedbeds and marshes across temperate Europe and Asia, and parts of Africa. Requires dense, undisturbed wetland habitats for survival.
How to spot
Extremely difficult to spot due to its camouflage and secretive nature. Listen intently for its distinctive call, especially at dawn or dusk. If seen, it will likely be standing motionless or slowly stalking prey amongst reeds, blending perfectly with its surroundings.
When to spot
Year-round resident in milder climates, migratory in colder regions, arriving in spring for breeding. Most active at dawn and dusk, when its booming call is most frequently heard.
Botaurus stellaris
Botaurus stellaris
Botaurus stellaris
Credits: Ouwesok
Botaurus stellaris
Credits: Ouwesok
The Eurasian Bittern's deep, resonant 'booming' call, often compared to the sound of a foghorn, can travel several kilometers across the wetlands, primarily used by males to attract mates during the breeding season.
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Spotted

Recently spotted
996 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
1 day ago
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Monthly observations

17 observations
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J
Joyce Leijendekkers
1 day ago
Eurasian Bittern
Eemnes, Utrecht
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
+65
Lifer
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Simeon
Simeon
5 days ago
Eurasian Bittern
Lelystad, Flevoland
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
+50
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Bert
Bert
2 weeks ago
Eurasian Bittern
Kampen, Overijssel
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
+65
Zat midden op het ijs. Schrok net zo van onze ontmoeting als ik en al glijdend en spartelend vloog ie weg om midden in het riet te verdwijnen. Prachtig!
Lifer
Maak eens een geluidje
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1
Robert de Roos
Robert de Roos
3 years ago
Eurasian Bittern
Zevenhuizen, Zuid-Holland
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
+65
Lifer
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F
Francesco Grassotti
1 month ago
Eurasian Bittern
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
+105
Lifer
Maak eens een geluidje
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Remi
Remi
3 months ago
Eurasian Bittern
Oranje, Drenthe
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
+13
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Remi
Remi
3 months ago
Eurasian Bittern
Oranje, Drenthe
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
+25
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Remi
Remi
3 months ago
Eurasian Bittern
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
+50
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2

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