Black Bittern

The black bittern is a medium-sized bittern, 54 to 66 cm long, that breeds in tropical Asia from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka east to China, Indonesia and Australia. It is mainly resident, though some northern birds migrate short distances. It has dark upperparts and a dark bill. The male is black above with buff neck sides and a heavily brown-streaked neck; the female is dark brown rather than black (Wikipedia, general species account).

Three subspecies are recognised. It was moved from the genus Ixobrychus to Botaurus after a 2023 study. Nationally Least Concern (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012, listed as Ixobrychus flavicollis).