Can you hear the boom? 🔊 That’s the mating call of the mysterious matuku/bittern, a large wetland bird more often heard than seen. Our staff, along with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Fish & Game New Zealand and over 80 volunteers, put on our detective hats to record population estimates of the endangered bittern. This is an essential count to help us evaluate trends, prioritise habitat restoration and determine how to adapt to management. Learn more about the matuku/bittern here: https://bit.

American Bittern Mating Call in Maine

Has anyone else heard any booming sounds coming from their local marsh? Our bird project learder Doug Morin tells us more: "This is a male American Bittern, performing it’s vocalization – sometimes called “booming.” Bitterns are a highly camouflaged and secretive species that inhabit dense shallow marshes. The strong, low-pitched “booming” call is important because it carries a long distance, allowing competing males and interested females to know where the displaying bird is, despite their habi

The American bittern is a type of heron that ambushes or silently stalks fish, toads, and other small marsh animals. Video via reddit u/yourSAS #birds #birdsofinstagram #birdsofprey #americanbittern #birdwatchers | Naturalist's Guide