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American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
Above and below: An American Bittern in the marshes of southern Dorchester Co., Maryland (11/30/2008).
Below: An American Bittern near the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades, Florida (2/9/2005).
Below: An American Bittern in flight in Caroline Co., Maryland (3/31/2007).
Below: An American Bittern flushes from Swan Harbor, Harford Co., Maryland (11/26/2011).
The American Bittern is one of the strangest and most reclusive species around. Most of its habits are similar to those of other wading birds; however, it has a few bizarre habits that are unique. It is exceedingly secretive and cryptically colored. When it senses danger, it contracts its body and extends its head upward to blend with the marsh vegetation. It will even sway slowly in time with the wind. Although the habitat surrounding the bird above does not allow perfect camouflage, the bird is displaying this behavior. The American Bittern also has one of the most bizarre "songs" of all birds: an otherwordly "oonk-a-loooonk" that is often compared to a stake being driven into the mud with a wooden mallet. I think it is far stranger even than that description. Click here to listen to a sample from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. While there, check out their extensive birding resources and consider becoming a member.