Black Bittern
NameBlack Bittern
Common NameBlack Bittern
Scientific NameIxobrychus flavicollis
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)70
Length (cm)58
Weight (g)325
Plumage DetailsAdults are largely dark slate-grey to blackish on the upperparts, with a distinctive yellow stripe running down the side of the neck, bordered by black. The throat and breast are streaked with white and yellowish-brown. It has a dark cap, yellow eyes, and a long, dark bill.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a deep, booming 'croak' or 'hoo-hoo-hoo' that is often heard at dusk or during the night.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across tropical and subtropical Asia, from India and Sri Lanka east through Southeast Asia to China, and south to Australia and New Guinea.
Identifying FeaturesDark slate-grey/black plumage, Long dark bill, Yellow stripe on side of neck, Streaked throat and breast, Yellow eyes
Description
The Black Bittern is a medium-sized, secretive heron species characterized by its dark plumage and long, slender neck. It typically inhabits dense vegetation in wetlands, where it hunts for aquatic prey, often standing motionless or slowly stalking.
