Bittern
Botaurus stellaris
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
A Bittern at Marshside is one of the great Sefton Coast wildlife events. They're exquisitely camouflaged — streaked brown plumage identical to reedbed stems — and can 'freeze' pointing their bill skyward, swaying gently with the reeds, and become invisible. In cold winters when pools freeze they're forced into the open, making them more visible. The RSPB Marshside management plan specifically identifies Bittern as a target species for reedbed habitat development.
At a Glance
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Habitat | Reed bed · Marsh ditch · Dense wetland vegetation |
| Diet | Fish, frogs, eels — stands motionless and strikes with lightning speed |
| UK population | Around 240 booming males; amber-listed — recovering from near-extinction |
| Sefton Coast | Occasional winter visitor; cold weather records most reliable; RSPB management plan identifies it as a target species |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB — the reed bed and ditch margins. Most often seen in cold weather when ice forces them into the open.
Identification
Heron-sized but much bulkier. Golden-brown, heavily streaked with black. Broad, rounded wings. In flight, looks like a barred, buffy heron. When alarmed, stretches neck and bill upward and freezes, blending with reeds.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Visit Marshside RSPB in a cold spell in January or February. Walk the reed bed edges at dusk. Report any sightings to the RSPB — they're significant records.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Bittern's booming call sound like?
The Bittern's 'boom' is one of Britain's most remarkable wildlife sounds — a deep, resonant fog-horn note that carries for 3–5 km and sounds nothing like a bird. Males boom from late January to June to attract females and establish territories. It is not likely to be heard at Marshside (no breeding birds) but if they were to breed, the boom would be audible at great distance.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.