Black-backed Bittern
NameBlack-backed Bittern
Common NameBlack-backed Bittern
Scientific NameIxobrychus dubius
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)30
Weight (g)90
Plumage DetailsMales have a glossy black back and crown, buffy-rufous sides of the neck, and streaked buffy-white underparts. The bill is yellow with a dark culmen, and legs are yellowish-green. Females are duller with a browner back.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is typically a deep, booming 'coo-oorh' or 'croak', often heard at dusk or dawn from within dense vegetation.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across northern and eastern Australia, New Guinea, and some islands in eastern Indonesia.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Black back (male), Streaked underparts, Yellow bill with dark culmen, Secretive behavior in dense reeds
Description
A small, secretive heron species, the Black-backed Bittern is typically found hidden amongst dense wetland vegetation. It is characterized by its stocky build, relatively short neck, and a long, pointed bill, often adopting a cryptic posture to blend into its surroundings.
