Black Bittern

1. Bird Name
English name: Black Bittern
Scientific name: Ixobrychus flavicollis

2. Appearance
The Black Bittern stands true to its name, boasting a primarily dark plumage, with an array of dusky, slate-colored feathers dominating its face and back. Its wings and tail exhibit a darker, almost jet-black hue, contrasted by its yellow to amber eyes. Its long, strong beak is pointed and yellowish. The bird radiates a unique mystique, and contrary to most bird species, the Black Bittern does not display significant differences in appearance between males and females.

3. Size
On average, a full-grown Black Bittern measures about 58-65 cm (23-26 inches) in length, from the beak to the tail. The wingspan is approximately 90-100 cm (35-39 inches) when fully extended. Reflecting on weight, they usually range between 150-350 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Black Bittern has a wide geographical range; it’s found in swathes of Asia, stretching from India, Bangladesh through Southeast Asia to New Guinea, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. This bird species favors assorted types of wetlands, including marshes, rivers, and man-made pools, with a predilection for dense reed beds and waters encompassed by thick vegetation.

5. Interesting Facts
– Black Bitterns execute treetop flights during the night and are adept swimmers, often venturing into water to capture prey.
– Black Bitterns have an intriguing habit of performing a “freeze pose” with their beak pointed upwards when they sense danger, blending flawlessly into their surroundings.
– The Black Bittern’s apparent popularity in Japan led to it being incorporated into various pieces of traditional art.

6. Diet
As carnivorous birds, Black Bitterns feed predominantly on a diet of fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. They are also known to consume small reptiles and insects occasionally.

7. Behavior & Sounds
The Black Bittern is a solitary and secretive bird, usually foraging at dusk and dawn, often resorting to a stealthy, slow-paced hunting style. They are known to fly with slow, measured wing beats. Their vocalizations comprise a series of low-pitched, guttural croaks often heard during the night.

8. Conservation Status
As per the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, the Black Bittern is deemed a species of ‘Least Concern’. While it faces some threats due to habitat destruction, its broad distribution range helps it maintain a stable population.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, the Black Bittern has an approximate lifespan of 10-15 years. Data regarding their lifespan in captivity is currently limited due to their elusive nature and preference towards wild habitats.

10. Additional Notes
– In some parts of its range, the Black Bittern is also known by local names like “Kuro-sagi” in Japan and “Burung Bangau Hitam” in Indonesia.
– Though not typically interactive with humans, human presence can lead to a decline in Black Bittern populations due to fear and habitat destruction.
– As a predator in the wetland ecosystem, the Black Bittern helps to control the fish and amphibian population, playing a silent but significant role in maintaining ecological balance.