Stocky, brown heron found in marshes and bogs; secretive but occasionally found in the open. Most similar to juvenile night-herons. Note striped neck, plain unspotted wings, and behavior: American Bittern does not typically perch on branches. Varied diet includes fish, frogs, insects, and small mammals. Most active around dawn and dusk flying low over extensive marshes. Listen for its incredible vocalization: a resonant, booming noise produced by air sacs on the neck, "oonk-GA-loonk."