Notes on the Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis in Far Eastern Victoria

Abstract

Recent sightings and observations of the Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis from far East Gippsland are presented, adding significant new information for this species in Victoria. This comes from a collation of Atlas of Victorian Wildlife records and observations from local naturalists. In this region, observed habitat appears to be near-coastal locations closely adjacent to major streams and inlets, frequently in dense Melaleuca thickets. Breeding has also been observed in these habitats. Within the small area of its known range in far eastern Victoria, this species appears to be widely distributed, although rarely observed, and records are apparently highly seasonal.