Gould observed 'The Little Bittern, being a very shy and reclusive bird, it is probable that many more examples have come to England than have been detected....most have occured in spring just prior to the breeding-season, a period of the year when birds are restless and are prompted to wander'

The male is depicted in the foreground.

DISTRIBUTION: Breeds most of Europe except Scandinavia, Britain, and Ireland and eastwards to Sinkiang; also west, central, east and southern Africa. European population winters in tropical Africa. Rare though almost annual vagrant to Britain, chiefly between April and October