The Black Bittern, sometimes known as the Yellow-necked Bittern, has the scientific name Ixobrychus flavicollis. 

Flavicollis combines the Latin word flavidus meaning “yellowish” with the modern-Latin word collis which means “throated”. 

Black Bitterns are listed as vulnerable in New South Wales under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. 

Where do they live?

Roosting and nesting among the reeds or up in the trees, the Black Bittern is most often found in tree-lined wetlands and coastal mangroves. They show a strong preference for the densely vegetated edges of freshwater and coastal waterways, where their camouflage and cautious behaviour help them remain hidden. 

Although secretive, they can sometimes be spotted during the day in open marshes or along shrubby creek edges. 
True to their shy nature, the Black Bittern is most active at dawn, dusk, and throughout the night, slipping quietly through their habitat. 

They are a versatile forager, active in both daylight and darkness, often hunting from the edge of the water or spotting prey from shady branches overhanging the water. 

Black Bitterns also choose trees overhanging water as their nesting sites and construct their nests in spring. The females lay 3-5 eggs and both parents share responsibility of incubating the eggs. The breeding season runs from September to April. Outside of this period, Black Bitterns are generally solitary.

What do they eat?

The Black Bittern is a patient predator, dining on a wide variety of small animals, though fish and amphibians make up most of its menu. True to its stealthy nature, it often stalks prey with slow, deliberate movements or simply waits motionless until the perfect moment arrives. From time to time, it may even launch a sudden plunge from a perch, striking with its sharp bill like a spear. This adaptability makes the Black Bittern a skilled hunter.

As a carnivore, its diet includes: frogs, reptiles, fish, and an assortment of invertebrates, including snails, dragonflies, shrimps, and crayfish. 

What do they look like?

The Black Bittern is a medium-sized member of the heron family, measuring between 54 and 66 centimetres in length. Their plumage is striking - the upperparts are dark, and the bill is blackish, giving them a sleek appearance. Running boldly down each side of the neck is a vivid yellow stripe, matched by bright yellow streaks across the throat and chest - features that make this otherwise secretive bird stand out when seen up close.

While the males are mostly black, the females are dark brown, a difference that can help you distinguish them if you see them out in the wild.

How can you support the Black 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

• Like the Australasian Bittern, when hiding they will assume the characteristic bittern camouflage posture, pointing their beak upwards so that their neck pattern blends in with the upright reeds.
• You can distinguish them from other bittern species by their much darker colour.