Bitterns prefer to be heard, not seen. Camouflaged in streaked brown plumage, this heron haunts the reedbeds of freshwater or brackish marshes. When it feels threatened, the Bittern freezes and extends its neck towards the sky, a position it can maintain for several hours. It will even sway, mimicking the movement of the wind in the reeds, waiting for the danger to pass. This long neck is also a formidable weapon, tucked into its shoulders as the Bittern moves imperceptibly towards a fish, amphibian or aquatic insect. Once it is close enough, it extends its neck to catch or pierce its prey with its spear-like beak. Due to its stealthy nature, it is difficult to detect a Bittern’s presence by sight, but its deep, rhythmic call can be heard from hundreds of metres away.
For the first time in over 30 years, the booming of the Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris has been heard once again in the marshes of the Baux Valley, France. By surveying an area from dusk until dawn during breeding season, the A Rocha France team identified a singing male in the Ilon Regional Nature Reserve on several occasions. Since this species is polygamous, it is likely that there are also several females on the site. The Bittern’s return to the valley is encouraging news, suggesting that the water levels and environments are favorable to its nesting.
In Aotearoa / New Zealand, the Karioi Project is a collaborative community restoration initiative supported by A Rocha Aotearoa / New Zealand, contributing to the Matuku-hūrepo Muster: a national initiative to monitor and protect the Australasian Bittern / Matuku-hūrepo Botaurus poiciloptilus. Local wetland surveys and community hui (gatherings) are helping build a clearer picture of where these elusive birds are breeding, the habitats on which they rely and how better to support their survival. This work also raises awareness of the value of healthy wetlands for people and wider biodiversity around Whāingaroa and beyond. In 2024 and 2025, 14 sites were monitored by listening, with five Bitterns recorded booming across four sites.
Listen to the striking call of these delightful creatures below. Through strategic conservation work, we hope to have wetlands resound with Bittern booming once again!
