Bittern - Botaurus stellaris

A thickset heron with all-over bright, pale, buffy-brown plumage covered with dark streaks and bars. It flies on broad, rounded, bowed wings.

Wetlands with large reed beds, especially RSPB reserves at Minsmere, Suffolk and Leighton Moss, Lancashire. In winter it can also be watched at viewing sites in the Lea Valley, Hertfordshire.

All year round but the majority of records are from November to February at certain sites.

The males make a remarkable far-carrying, booming sound in spring.

Its dependence on reed beds and very small population make it a Red List species - one of the most threatened in the UK.

Uncommon Leicestershire and Rutland.