The genus
Botaurus was introduced in 1819 by the English naturalist
James Francis Stephens. Stephens did not specify the
type species but this was designated as
Ardea stellaris Linnaeus (
Eurasian bittern) by
George Gray in 1840. The name
Botaurus is
Medieval Latin for a bittern. The word combines Latin
bos meaning "oxen" (compare
butire "to boom") and
taurus meaning "bull". In describing the Eurasian bittern Stephens wrote: "At this period the male makes a singular noise, which is compared with the deep bellowing of a bull, and is continued for about two months: ...". The genus formerly contained fewer species.
Molecular genetic studies found that the genus
Ixobrychus was
paraphyletic with respect to
Botaurus. To resolve the
non-monophyly the genus
Ixobrychus was merged into
Botaurus which has priority. The bitterns are large chunky, heavily streaked brown birds which breed in large
reed beds. Almost uniquely for predatory birds, the female rears the young alone. They are secretive and well-camouflaged, and despite their size they can be difficult to observe except for occasional flight views. They eat fish, frogs, and similar aquatic life. ==Species==