Forest Bittern
NameForest Bittern
Common NameForest Bittern
Scientific NameZonerodius heliosylus
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)59.5
Length (cm)68
Weight (g)750
Plumage DetailsPlumage is heavily barred and streaked with dark brown, black, and buffy-white, providing excellent camouflage. It has a dark crown, pale throat, a long yellowish bill, and striking yellow eyes.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include deep, booming calls, often heard at dusk or dawn, and various croaks or grunts when disturbed.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsforest, wetland
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to New Guinea and a few adjacent islands, inhabiting tropical lowland rainforests.
Identifying Featuresheavily barred plumage, long yellowish bill, yellow eyes, cryptic coloration, forest habitat
Description
The Forest Bittern is a medium-sized, shy heron known for its cryptic plumage, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its dense forest habitat. It typically forages silently along forest streams and swamps, hunting for aquatic prey.
