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.

More Birds to Explore

Explore the Nature FYI Family