Sunbittern
Image: Martín Barbosa (cc-by-nc)
NameSunbittern
Common NameSunbittern
Scientific NameEurypyga helias
FamilyEurypygidae
Wingspan (cm)62.5
Length (cm)45.5
Weight (g)200
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is intricately patterned with fine bars and mottling in shades of brown, grey, and black, providing excellent camouflage. The head features a black crown, a prominent white supercilium, and a black stripe through the eye. The most striking feature, visible when the wings are spread, is a large, bright chestnut, black, and yellow 'sunburst' pattern on the flight feathers.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, mournful whistles and cooing notes, often described as a series of plaintive 'coo-ee' or 'whee-oo' sounds.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatstropical forest, subtropical forest, rivers, streams, ponds
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico through Central America and across much of tropical South America, south to northern Argentina and southern Brazil.
Identifying FeaturesCryptic brown and grey barred plumage, Long neck and legs, Slender, pointed bill, often orange at the base, Black crown with white supercilium and black eye-stripe, Spectacular 'sunburst' pattern on wings (when displayed), Terrestrial behavior along water edges
Description
The Sunbittern is a medium-sized wading bird known for its cryptic plumage and spectacular 'sunburst' wing pattern, displayed during threat or courtship. It typically walks slowly along the edges of forest streams and rivers, hunting for small prey.
