The Australasian Bittern is a heavy-set, partially nocturnal heron with upperparts that are patterned dark brown, buff and black, and underparts that are streaked brown and buff. The eyebrow and throat are pale, and the side of the neck is dark brown. The bill is brown and the legs are greenish.
It is a secretive, stocky heron inhabiting large, vegetated, freshwater wetlands. In recent decades, bittern populations have declined significantly and the Australasian Bittern is now listed as Endangered. BirdLife Western Australia wants to hear from private landholders interested in improving wetland habitat for Australasian Bittern in south-west Western areas.
Funding is available to assist on-ground works including fencing and revegetation of suitable wetlands contact us.