New Hope for Threatened Wetland Bird

New Hope on the Horizon for Threatened Wetland Bird

On World Wetlands Day (February 2), BirdLife Australia is celebrating new hope on the horizon for the Australasian Bittern as a newly established National Australasian Bittern Recovery Team takes shape to oversee the recovery of the species’ declining population.

The shy and cryptic wetland bird is one of the most difficult to see in Australia due to its highly-camouflaged plumage and its cryptic behaviour, both of which combine to keep these birds well hidden among the dense vegetation. Often, if a bittern is detected at all, it is by hearing the deep, loud and distinctive, booming call of breeding males which has been credited for the origins of the mythological bunyip.

The new Recovery Team, comprising 12 experts in the ways of bitterns, is generously supported by funding through the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species Program and coordinated by BirdLife Australia.

“I’m excited to see this team come together to protect the iconic Australasian Bittern, and in doing so encouraging wetland habitats to thrive and benefit a whole suit of plants, animals and communities that rely on them,” said Dr Davide Gaglio, Australasian Bittern Recovery Project Coordinator at BirdLife Australia.

“The Recovery Team represents a fantastic opportunity to bring together a diverse range of experts, including community members and Traditional Owners from across Australia to safeguard this secretive species and the wetland habitats it depends on.”

One of the unique traits of the Bittern Recovery Team is the insights it receives from the rice-growing industry. Rice farms have been documented as contributing significant habitat for the species in recent decades. Neil Bull, an intergenerational farmer and valued member of the Team is excited about the opportunity for agricultural practices to play a role in conservation.

“I grew up with Australasian Bitterns in our rice crops and I have great affection for these remarkable birds,” Mr Bull said. “For me maximising the area of wetland habitat and tweaking its management will be key to recovering the population of Bitterns… specifically water and vegetation management that supports breeding. Utilising this knowledge and the project-generated farmer support can play a role in the recovery of the Bittern population.”

The Australasian Bittern was added to the Federal Government’s list of Australia’s threatened species after data collected by thousands of citizen scientists across Australia for BirdLife Australia’s Birdata program revealed that the species’ numbers had suffered a steep decline right across its range. It is now classified as Endangered. This population decline has been mainly attributed to the draining, degradation and alteration of its wetland habitats.

The National Australasian Bittern Recovery Team joins a number of other Recovery Teams overseen by BirdLife Australia to guide the recovery of threatened species such as Regent Honeyeaters and Mallee birds. Their expert advice is seen as key to taking the necessary actions—both in decision-makers’ offices and on the ground—to turn population declines around.

Dr Gaglio says the National Australasian Bittern Recovery Team is kicking off 2026 by coming together to plan and design key actions to protect these weird and wonderful wetland birds.

“By working together, we can ensure the long-term survival of this elusive bird and support the broader health of Australia’s wetland ecosystems.”

BirdLife Australia Media Enquiries: Please contact James Johnson on 0423 659 324 or at media@birdlife.org.au

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species Program and delivered by BirdLife Australia and the National Australasian Bittern Recovery Team.