Birds
Botaurus stellaris

Eurasian Bittern

Eurasian Bittern

50
21 hours 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
431 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
21 hours ago
Favorite of
Simeon

Monthly observations

5 observations
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Simeon
Simeon
2 months ago
Eurasian Bittern
Lelystad, Flevoland
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
+60
Lifer
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wasRuben
wasRuben
3 months ago
Eurasian Bittern
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
+60
Lifer
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Judith
Judith
3 months ago
Eurasian Bittern
Dronten, Flevoland
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
+60
Lifer
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G
Gertjan Prins
3 months ago
Eurasian Bittern
Kampen, Overijssel
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
+60
Lifer
Hoogvlieger
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S
Simon Bax
1 year ago
Eurasian Bittern
Grou, Fryslân
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
Spotted Eurasian Bittern
+60
Tussen het riet zie je hem bijna niet...
Lifer
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