The American Bittern is one of the strangest and most reclusive species around. Most of its habits are similar to those of other wading birds; however, it has a few bizarre habits that are unique. It is exceedingly secretive and cryptically colored. When it senses danger, it contracts its body and extends its head upward to blend with the marsh vegetation. It will even sway slowly in time with the wind. Although the habitat surrounding the bird above does not allow perfect camouflage, the bird is displaying this behavior. The American Bittern also has one of the most bizarre calls of all birds, an otherwordly "oonk-a-loooonk" that is often compared to a stake being driven into the mud with a wooden mallet. I think it is far stranger even than that description.