Black-backed Bittern

Black-backed Bittern

Botaurus dubius

Data Deficient

Aves · Pelecaniformes · Ardeidae

About

The black-backed bittern, also known as the black-backed least bittern or Australian little bittern, is a little-known species of heron in the family Ardeidae found in Australia and vagrant to southern New Guinea. Formerly lumped with the little bittern, it is one of the smallest herons in the world. This species was formerly placed in the genus Ixobrychus.

Fun Fact

Formerly lumped with the little bittern, it is one of the smallest herons in the world.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Found in freshwater wetlands, where they inhabit dense emergent vegetation of reeds and sedges, and inundated shrub thickets.

Diet

Feed mainly on aquatic invertebrates such as crustaceans and dragonfly larvae, sometimes small vertebrates such as fish and frogs.

Lifespan

To be updated

Threats

  • Habitat Change
  • Human Disturbance