Australasian Bittern (species: Botaurus poiciloptilus) in Bundjalung NP (Gaia Guide)
Bundjalung NP > Animalia > Vertebrata > Aves > Ciconiiformes > Botaurus poiciloptilus (gallery)
Botaurus poiciloptilus
Australasian Bittern


©David Cook: Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus)

©J.G. Keulemans: Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus)

©Wayne Butterworth: Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) at Edithvale wetlands

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Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Ciconiiformes
Family Ardeidae
Genus Botaurus
Species Botaurus poiciloptilus
Status endangered

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Colours

         

Distinguishing features

It is a large bittern, patterned and streaked brown, buff and black, with a pale throat. (Wikipedia)

Size

  • Up to 72 cm (Length of specimen)

Wingspan

  • Wingspan data is not yet available.

Synonyms

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution: Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus)

Distribution and habitat preferences

It is found in south-western and south-eastern Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, New Caledonia and Ouvea. Populations in Australia and New Zealand have declined in the 20th century. It is a cryptic and partly nocturnal species that inhabits densely vegetated wetlands. (Wikipedia)

Diet

It feeds on aquatic animals such as frogs, eels and freshwater crustaceans. (Wikipedia)

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