kautuku
1. (noun) brown bittern, Australasian bittern, Botaurus poiciloptilus - a rare bird living in swamps. Has a bulky, thick neck and is mottled brown and buff for camouflage. Known for its loud booming call.
Ka ara te kautuku nei ko Poho-kura, e kai nei i a au (M 2006:34). / This bittern, Poho-kura, rises up and is consuming me.
See also matuku, matuku-hūrepo, hūrepo
