Botaurus stellaris

Bittern Bit"tern, n. [OE. bitoure, betore, bitter, fr. F. butor; of unknown origin.] (Zo["o]l.) A wading bird of the genus {Botaurus}, allied to the herons, of various species. [1913 Webster]

Note: The common European bittern is {Botaurus stellaris}. It makes, during the brooding season, a noise called by Dryden bumping, and by Goldsmith booming. The American bittern is {Botaurus lentiginosus}, and is also called {stake-driver} and {meadow hen}. See {Stake-driver}. [1913 Webster]

Note: The name is applied to other related birds, as the {least bittern} ({Ardetta exilis}), and the {sun bittern}. [1913 Webster]