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Australasian Bittern

The Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) is also known as the Brown Bittern.

Preferring heavy vegetation for nesting and hunting, the endangered Australasian Bittern is a large bird with a wingspan of 1 metre, that lives in the freshwater wetlands of the Upper River Derwent, sometimes utilising the estuarine environment close to Bridgewater.

They have a diverse carnivorous diet of small animals that inhabit the River Derwent.

Due to the birds distinctive booming call, it was believed to be “a yeti amongst the wetlands”. For more information visit https://derwentestuary.org.au/species/australasian-bittern/

Bittern hunting for prey in wetlands, 2017
Bittern hunting for prey in wetlands, 2017.  Source: Imogen Warren Photography https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Australasian_Bittern_in_wetlands.jpg

References:

  • Derwent Estuary Program. Species of the Derwent. https://www.derwentestuary.org.au/species/australasianbittern/. Accessed on 21 October 2024.