Australasian Bittern
Botaurus poiciloptilus

A uncommon bird that is even more uncommonly seen, the Australasian Bittern spends most of it time skulking in reed beds where it preys on fish, frogs and invertebrates. As with its close relative, the Great Bittern, this species has excellent camouflage for hiding. Bitterns are members of the heron family and they are some of the larger examples with the Australasian Bittern measuring 66 - 76 cm in length. They are found mostly in the south-east of Australia with a small number in the south of WA and also in New Zealand and New Caledonia.
 

1-2: Greenfields Wetlands, Mawson Lakes, SA, 13/10/2012.