Australasian Bittern vs Forest Bittern

Botaurus poiciloptilus compared with Zonerodius heliosylus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Australasian Bittern Forest Bittern
Scientific Name Botaurus poiciloptilus Zonerodius heliosylus
Order Pelecaniformes Pelecaniformes
Family Ardeidae Ardeidae
Conservation Status Vulnerable Near Threatened
Length — —
Wingspan 64.1 cm (25.2 in) 60.6 cm (23.9 in)
Weight 1166.5 g (41.15 oz) 802.0 g (28.29 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 4-5 --
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Australasian Bittern only

None

Forest Bittern only

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Australasian Bittern

Near Threatened

Forest Bittern

About These Birds

Australasian Bittern

The Australasian Bittern is a Vulnerable large heron found in freshwater wetlands and reed beds across Australia and New Zealand. Weighing about 1,166.5g with a wingspan of 64.1cm, it is a cryptically streaked brown bird that freezes motionless with its bill pointed skyward when threatened. It feeds on fish, frogs, and aquatic invertebrates at night.

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