American Bittern

🔍 Overview

A mega-rarity from North America, the American Bittern has been recorded only a handful of times in the UK. Any sighting in Sussex would be exceptional.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Shorter, chunkier build than Eurasian Bittern

Bold black neck stripes and streaky underparts

Tends to freeze with bill upward when alarmed

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Only one or two historical records in Sussex.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Famous for its bizarre “water pump” call, although rarely heard in the UK. Shy and difficult to see, usually detected by careful scanning of reed edges.