The forest bittern is a bird indigenous to New Guinea. It is the only member of the genus Zonerodius and is also known as the New Guinea tiger heron.
Region
New Guinea and nearby islands
Typical Environment
The forest bittern occurs throughout lowland and foothill rainforests of New Guinea, in both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua. It favors shaded streams, flooded forest, and swampy glades within primary and well-structured secondary forest. Birds often keep to dense understory and riparian thickets, emerging to hunt along quiet pools and seepages. It is generally scarce but widespread where suitable forest remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the New Guinea tiger heron, this elusive species is the sole member of the genus Zonerodius. It inhabits dense rainforest and is most active at dusk and night, making it rarely seen. Its boldly barred plumage provides excellent camouflage among forest shadows.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically encountered alone or in pairs, skulking along forest streams and pools. Nests are believed to be simple platforms placed in trees or dense vegetation near water. Breeding activity is poorly known, but adults maintain discreet territories in suitable riparian forest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include deep booming hoots and harsh croaks, usually delivered at dusk or night. Calls are low, carrying poorly through dense forest, which adds to the species’ elusiveness.
Plumage
Boldly barred and streaked with rufous, buff, and dark brown; underparts and flanks show strong 'tiger-like' barring with a streaked neck.
Diet
Feeds on small fish, amphibians, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and occasional small reptiles. It hunts by standing motionless along shaded banks or slowly stalking in shallow water. Prey is seized with a rapid thrust of the bill. Its barred plumage helps it remain concealed while ambushing prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages along quiet forest streams, oxbows, and flooded forest floors beneath heavy canopy. Also uses forest-edge seeps and swampy glades where cover is dense and water is slow-moving.
