Wild Beijing 北京自然

Bitterns

Written by

Terry Townshend

in

China is a good place to see bitterns.  In addition to the Great Bittern (the one familiar to European readers), it is also possible to see Black Bittern, Cinnamon Bittern, Von Schrenck’s Bittern and Yellow Bittern.  Of the smaller bitterns, the Yellow Bittern is most numerous in Beijing with Von Schrenck’s also breeding in small numbers.  Cinnamon is an occasional (and increasing?) late Spring visitor (and possible breeder?) and there is just one record of Black Bittern.

Below are some images of Cinnamon, Von Schrenck’s and Yellow Bitterns, all taken in Beijing or neighbouring Hebei Province.

First, the beautiful richly coloured Cinnamon Bittern.

Cinnamon Bittern (male). No mistaking this species!
Cinnamon Bittern (presumed female with streaking below and pale spotting on the upperparts).

Next up, Von Schrenck’s Bittern.  The males and females look quite different.

Von Schrenck’s Bittern (male). Note the dark back, dark face and wing pattern (compared with Yellow Bittern below).
Von Schrenck’s Bittern (male).
Von Schrenck’s Bittern (female). Note the heavy and dark streaking.
Von Schrenck’s Bittern (female). Note the white-spotted upperparts combined with the dark back and face.

Finally, the Yellow Bittern.  A common breeder, including in the Olympic Forest Park and Yeyahu NR.

Yellow Bittern (male). The contrasting underwing is a good feature of Yellow Bittern).
Yellow Bittern showing uppewing pattern.  This individual has a particularly dark back.
Yellow Bittern.
Yellow Bittern from below.

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Comments

8 responses to “Bitterns”

  1. Dave Bakewell

    Nice set Terry. I remember the much blacker flight feathers of Yellow cf Von Schrenk’s being a useful field character when flushing small bitterns at Bedaihe many years ago, especially when, as one of your photos shows, occasionally Yellow has an upper wing covert pattern quite similar to that of VSB.

    Reply
    1. Terry Townshend

      Thanks Dave. Yes, that Yellow Bittern underwing is very distinctive. Definitely something to look for if one only has brief views of a small bittern…

      Reply
  2. Ken Turnip

    Great photos. I’ve only seen yellow, which is a nice species… but the others here look stunning.

    Reply
    1. Terry Townshend

      Thanks Ken. I love bitterns.. It’s great to have Yellow Bittern breeding in a central Beijing park and it’s not *too* difficult to see Von Schrenck’s and Cinnamon at the right time of year.

      Reply
  3. John Holmes

    You did well to get the flight shots …! Cinnamon and Schrenk’s are particularly attractive.

    Reply
    1. Terry Townshend

      Thanks John. At this time of year they are feeding young, so flying to and fro. I was lucky enough to find a good spot and enjoyed great views of all three…

      Reply
      1. JanJ

        I can only repet what others have said Terry – great pic!
        JanJ

      2. Terry Townshend

        Thank you, Jan!

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