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Large, stocky, strongly patterned heron with broad neck and yellow-green legs.
Endangered
Indigenous: Matuka-Lurepo, Boomer, Brown Bittern, Australian Bittern, Bittern, Bunyip, Black-Backed Bittern, Bull-Bird
At a glance
FamilyHerons, Egrets, and Bitterns
SizeLarge
RarityCommon
HabitatMarshes, estuaries, river edges, mangroves, mudflats, and shallow water.
Best timeMost reliable in South Australia from August.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by John Graff
Range map
Range map
619visible hotspots
17204visible records
5states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Upperparts dark brown, underparts streaked. Usually found in reed beds, where it can be difficult to observe; often forages at night. When disturbed, “freezes,” with head pointing upward (as if trying to blend in with the habitat).
Behavior
Compare young Rufous Night-Heron, which is much smaller, has shorter neck, and tends to roost in trees.
Gallery