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Lucky Birder · Friday 3rd February 2006, 19:03

Two Bitterns seen roosting recently in Nottinghamshire were side by side and 'wiped' their bills together three or four times. Does anyone know what this signifies if anything?

- A

The Barn Owl · Friday 3rd February 2006, 19:12

This is only an idea - I do not know if it is true. But could it be some sort of mating ritual, or a symbol of partnership. Clearly it is still rather early for that, but you never know
SAM

Lucky Birder · Saturday 4th February 2006, 06:41

That's the thought that struck me. Are Bitterns monogamous, do 'pairs' migrate together in the winter?

**IanF** · Saturday 4th February 2006, 08:36

It does sound like some part of the bonding process that many birds use. However Bittern are polygamous - the male having four or five breeding partners.

Can speak for them being paired in winter as we only ever get single birds around here - though things are looking good for breeding birds in the future. I'll certainly be listening out for booming males this Spring.

Timberdoodler · Saturday 4th February 2006, 17:21

Did the bill appear to have mud stuck to it? It may be mere coincidence, being that many birds 'wipe' their bills on branches after getting clumps of mud or debris stuck on it.

Keep watching them, and see if it has become ritualistic behavior.

Then again, if you say it occured 3 or 4 times...it may be more than just a bittern using his buddy as a towel!

Friday 3rd February 2006, 19:03	#1
Lucky Birder Notts Birder Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Nottingham Posts: 961	Odd? Bittern behaviour Two Bitterns seen roosting recently in Nottinghamshire were side by side and 'wiped' their bills together three or four times. Does anyone know what this signifies if anything? - A

Saturday 4th February 2006, 08:36	#4
IanF Moderator Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Billingham, NE England Posts: 55,449 My location	It does sound like some part of the bonding process that many birds use. However Bittern are polygamous - the male having four or five breeding partners. Can speak for them being paired in winter as we only ever get single birds around here - though things are looking good for breeding birds in the future. I'll certainly be listening out for booming males this Spring. __________________ Durham Bird Club -Teesmouth Bird Club---RSPB Saltholme---Durham Birding---Local patch - Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park
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Friday 3rd February 2006, 19:12	#2
The Barn Owl Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: . Posts: 448	This is only an idea - I do not know if it is true. But could it be some sort of mating ritual, or a symbol of partnership. Clearly it is still rather early for that, but you never know SAM

Saturday 4th February 2006, 06:41	#3
Lucky Birder Notts Birder Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Nottingham Posts: 961	That's the thought that struck me. Are Bitterns monogamous, do 'pairs' migrate together in the winter?

Saturday 4th February 2006, 17:21	#5
Timberdoodler Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 42	Did the bill appear to have mud stuck to it? It may be mere coincidence, being that many birds 'wipe' their bills on branches after getting clumps of mud or debris stuck on it. Keep watching them, and see if it has become ritualistic behavior. Then again, if you say it occured 3 or 4 times...it may be more than just a bittern using his buddy as a towel!

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