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In flight, pale upperwing coverts contrast with dark back and dark flight feathers.
WA: Endangered; NT: Endangered
Indigenous: Minute Bittern, Kaoriki, Little Bittern
At a glance
FamilyHerons, Egrets, and Bitterns
SizeLarge
RarityUncommon
HabitatMarshes, estuaries, river edges, mangroves, mudflats, and shallow water.
Best timeMost reliable from January to December.
Range map
Range map
363visible hotspots
3820visible 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
Tiny secretive heron. Adult male has black back, brown neck, and streaked reddish-brown underparts. Female and juvenile lack black back and have streaked underparts. Most commonly observed in early morning or evening clambering along the edge of reed beds.
Behavior
In flight, pale upperwing coverts contrast with dark back and dark flight feathers. Calls include a distinctive repeated growling or croaking bark.
Gallery