Australasian Bittern | Matuku-hūrepo

Australasian Bittern | Matuku-hūrepo - Botaurus poiciloptilus

The matuku-hūrepo is a secretive, marsh-dwelling bird, its streaked brown plumage blending perfectly with reeds and wetlands. Often heard more than seen, its deep, booming call resonates across quiet waterways, giving this elusive bird an air of mystery.

Conservation: Nationally Critically Endangered in New Zealand; populations have declined drastically due to wetland drainage, habitat loss, and predation, though ongoing wetland restoration is helping local recovery.

LIMITED EDITIONS

Bring the presence of the Matuku-hūrepo Australasian Bittern into your space with a large-format, limited edition print.

Editions are strictly limited to 15 plus 2 artist’s proofs.
Each print is signed, numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Large enough to command presence, yet manageable for framing and hanging.

DIMENSIONS
Large – 20" x 30" (508 x 762 mm)
Printed with a white border.

QUALITY
Produced with archival-quality inks on Ilford Cotton Rag paper for exceptional detail and longevity.
Prints are sold unframed.

OPEN EDITIONS

Ideal for collectors seeking accessible options or thoughtful gifts.

QUALITY
Unsigned, unlimited, and produced with archival inks on premium lustre paper.
Printed with white borders to fit standard frames.
Prints are sold unframed.

DIMENSIONS
Medium – A3 (29.7 × 42 cm / 11.7" × 16.5")
A balance of size, quality, and accessibility.

Small – A4 (21 × 29.7 cm / 8.3" × 11.7")
An accessible format, perfect for gifting or adding to a personal collection.

SHIPPING

Each print is made to order and personally inspected before dispatch.
Shipped worldwide, rolled with care in protective cardboard tubes to ensure safe arrival.

Please allow 7–10 working days for New Zealand orders.
International orders: allow 14–21 days.

This final artwork is a reworked & reimagined transformation © Cally Whitham, based on a specimen image, courtesy of Auckland Museum, Creative Commons 4.0 license.