Australasian_Bittern_DTP_0003

Matuku, (Australasian Bittern).
Once common throughout the wetlands and swamps of New Zealand especially wetlands overgrown with Raupo and reeds where they can camouflage extremely well. They are seldom viewed now due to the demise of there habitat with the clearing of land and draining of swamps for more pastoral farm land.

They make a very low croak or booming sound which is generally only heard during there breeding season from late August to early mid December, most of the time they will only be heard in the evening.

They feed on fresh water fish, eel's, insects, frogs and tadpoles.

They lay 3 to 6 olive-brown eggs which are incubated for 24 to 26 days by the female alone upon their nest usually made of dried reeds.

The chicks leave the nest at around 10 days and can fly at about five weeks old.

Ref: Australasian_Bittern_DTP_0003

Date: 16/09/07

Location: Kirikopuni, Northland New Zealand.

Photographer: David Towgood

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