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Kōrero: Wetlands

Australasian bittern with chicks

Image
Australasian bittern with chicks

Once common in coastal and inland swamps, Australasian bitterns are now one of New Zealand’s most threatened bird species. It is thought that fewer than 1,000 birds survive, in a few sites mainly in the North Island. They are secretive, usually coming out at night. They nest in tall rushes and reeds, and raise up to four chicks a year.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10028777

by M. F. Soper

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Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Peter Johnson, Wetlands – Wetland wildlife, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/14350/australasian-bittern-with-chicks (accessed 5 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Peter Johnson, i tāngia i te 1 March 2009.