Botaurus

/boʊˈtɔrəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of large wading birds in the heron family, known for their loud booming calls and camouflaged brown plumage.

Etymology

From Latin 'botaurus,' an onomatopoetic word imitating the distinctive booming sound these birds make. The name literally tries to capture the sound of the bittern's call.

Kelly Says

The American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) is a master of invisibility—it points its bill skyward and freezes among reeds so effectively that even ornithologists have trouble spotting them!

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