Black-backed Bittern

Botaurus dubius

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StatusEndemic

RarityRare

Height31 cm

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Did You Know?

3 Facts

"When threatened, they can compress their bodies to squeeze between reed stems, making them nearly invisible."

Field Guide

Black-backed Bittern

4 sections

The Australian Black-backed bittern, also known as the Australian Little Bittern (Botaurus dubius) is Australia’s smallest heron and a master of camouflage in dense reedbeds and freshwater swamps. This elusive wetland bird is rarely seen in the open, preferring to stay hidden among tall reeds and sedges in eastern and southeastern Australia.