Meet the Master of Camouflage, the Australasian Bittern! Imagine strolling through a wetland and spotting what looks like a bundle of reeds… but wait - it moves! That’s no plant, it’s a bird.

Where do they live?

This bird prefers permanent freshwater wetlands where bullrushes (Typha spp.) and spikerushes (Eleocharis spp.) grow dense and tall. Occasionally you’ll even spot them in estuarine and brackish wetlands or even flooded pastures. By day they remain hidden among the reeds and rushes, relying on their camouflage to avoid detection. 

They are solitary except during breeding season which occurs annually from October to February. They typically lay 4-6 eggs and will create a shallow nest of dry or green reeds in a secluded location on a platform of reeds. 

If you’re looking to spot this elusive bird locally you can see them at Deep Creek and Narrabeen Lagoon, but only if you’re able to see past their impressive camouflage.

Australasian Bitterns are listed as endangered under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

What do they eat?

The Australasian Bittern is a stealthy hunter with feeding activity occurring mainly at night. This is when they hunt frogs, fish, crayfish or yabbies, spiders, insects, and snails. In deeper water, they may even create a feeding platform by trampling down reeds. These platforms become dinner tables of the marsh, often scattered with the remains of late-night feasts.

What do they look like?

Standing tall at up to 75 cm, this stocky creature is built like a feathered tank. Their long, thick neck and straight, brownish-yellow bill make it perfect for spearing unsuspecting fish.

Their upper feathers are mottled dark brown and black, blending seamlessly with reeds, while their underside is buff with brown streaks, except for a pale throat. They also have a prominent black-brown stripe running down the side of their neck and a subtle pale eyebrow. Their pale green legs and feet are ideal for wading silently through shallow waters.

This bird isn’t just big - it’s a stealth artist, perfectly adapted to vanish into the reeds of the wetland until the moment it strikes.

How can you support the Australasian Bittern?

• Keep your dog on a leash: Avoid disturbing wildlife by keeping your dog on leash outside of off-leash areas.
• Stay on the path: When cycling or walking through natural areas, stick to the path so you don't disturb any habitat.
• Report fox sightings: Report any fox activity to FoxScan.
• Keep pets indoors, especially at night: Dog and cat attacks are one of the largest threats to native wildlife.
• Report injured wildlife to WIRES (1300 094 737) or Sydney Wildlife (9413 4300). .
• Manage household chemicals: Use minimal amounts of fertilisers and pesticides on lawns and wash cars with water or eco-friendly soap to prevent chemicals from washing into our local waterways.
• Join a local Bushcare group: Participate in supervised bush regeneration to help restore habitat.
• Join local clean ups: Participate in local cleanup groups such as the Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew.

Fun facts

• When camouflaging they blend into the surroundings by keeping perfectly still and pointing their neck and beak skywards. This helps their shape and streaked pattern blend in with the upright reeds.
• Sometimes when camouflaging the bittern will sway. They are trying to mimic the movement of the reeds in the breeze. 
• Their call is loud and described as foghorn-like.