General Description
Body mottled and streaked yellow-brown and dark brown. Bill yellow, feet yellow-green. Body up to 72 cm long.
Biology
Australasian Bitterns are solitary birds. They roost and feed in areas with dense reeds or sedge grasses. When disturbed, they stand motionless with their bill pointed skyward.
Habitat
Freshwater wetlands and swamps.
Coastal shores
Distribution guide
South-western and south-eastern Australia.
Species Group
Max Size
72 cm
Diet
Carnivore
Commercial Species
Yes
Global Dispersal
Native to Australia
Conservation Status
- DSE Advisory List : Endangered
- EPBC Act 1999 : Endangered
- IUCN Red List : Endangered
Author
Wayne Longmore is a Senior Collection manager of terrestrial vertebrates at Museum Victoria.
Author
Rory O'Brien is a Collection Manager of terrestrial vertebrates at Museum Victoria.
Cite this page as:
Longmore, N. W. & O'Brien, R., 2011, Australasian Bittern, Botaurus poiciloptilus, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 25 Feb 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/7872
