typhlonectes:American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)American Bitterns are relatively common wading
typhlonectes:American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)American Bitterns are relatively common wading birds, herons, of wetlands and marshes but not often seen because of their incredible camouflage. They freeze and extend their neck when they detect a threat, and the streaks on the underside of their neck and breast blend in with the tall, narrow vegetation they prefer. This trick also serves them well for hunting prey. They are opportunistic feeders, taking anything from large insects to fish to small terrestrial vertebrates, which they will swallow whole.photos: Tim Lenz, Walter Siegmund, Jerry Segraves, & Bob Engr, USFWS(via: Peterson Field Guides) -- source link