Bittern

Bittern is the residue left after crystallisation of salt from seawater. It is a concentrated solution of various salts. It derives its name from its bitter taste.

Bittern is also a bird of the heron family. It is a large marsh bird, but typically smaller than a heron. It has brown streaked plumage. During the breeding season, the male of the larger kind produces deep booming call. It belongs to the genera Botaurus and Ixobrychus, and the family Ardeidae. Several species of this bird are found, notable among them are the American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) and the 'least bittern' (Ixobrychus exilis).