Rather rare breeding resident of lowland marshes, reedbeds and densely vegetated watersides areas, supplemented by winter migrants to lowlands and lower hills. Mainly a nocturnal bird though sometimes visiting the water's edge to do a little fishing during the day as well, skulking out from its day time impenetrable retreat, which is often inside a dense thicket.
Black bittern feeds largely on fish but frogs and insects are also eaten. Breeding birds were observed in few occasions during the month of April in the dry zone. The nest is a small structure of twigs placed often on a overhanging tree above the water.
