Botaurus dubius
The Black-backed Bittern (Botaurus dubius), also widely known as the Australian Bittern, is a medium-sized, highly secretive wading bird of the heron family (Ardeidae). Averaging 60-75 cm in length with a wingspan of 90-105 cm, its plumage provides superb camouflage within dense reed beds. Its upperparts are a rich, streaked dark brown to black, contrasting with buff and brown streaked underparts, a yellow bill, and greenish legs. A distinct dark cap and malar stripe further aid identificatio...
Dense, freshwater wetlands, swamps, reed beds, and rushlands are the preferred habitats for the Black-backed Bittern, typically found at low elevations.
Its diet consists mainly of fish (including eels), frogs, tadpoles, crustaceans (such as yabbies and shrimp), and a variety of aquatic insects, hunted by stalking silently through shallow water.
The Black-backed Bittern is primarily a crepuscular and nocturnal hunter, exhibiting extreme reclusiveness during daylight hours, preferring to remain hidden deep within dense vegetation. Its foraging strategy involves slow, deliberate stalking through shallow water, often pausing motionless befo...
The Black-backed Bittern is primarily found in eastern and south-eastern Australia, with a disjunct population in New Guinea. In Australia, its breeding range spans from south-eastern Queensland through New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, with a significant presence in the Murray-Darl...
Endangered
- The Black-backed Bittern is a master of camouflage, often called the "ghost of the marsh" due to its ability to disappear within reeds. - When threatened, it adopts the famous "bittern stance," freezing with its bill pointed upwards and swaying gently, perfectly mimicking the surrounding vegeta...