Sunbittern

Overview

The sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) is a bittern-like bird native to tropical regions of the Americas, serving as the sole member of the family Eurypygidae. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and consists of three subspecies found from Guatemala to Brazil.

Identification

• Generally subdued plumage with fine linear patterns of black, grey and brown, though wing remiges reveal vivid red, yellow and black eyespots when fully spread.
• Possesses a long, pointed bill that is black above, along with a short hallux similar to shorebirds and rails.
• Southern subspecies feature brown upperparts with orange-yellow legs and lower mandibles, while other subspecies are greyer with redder legs and bills.

Habitat

The species inhabits humid Neotropical forests, typically those with an open understorey near rivers, streams, ponds or lagoons. Its range extends from Guatemala to Brazil, including the Amazon basin, Pantanal, and the East Andean slope in Peru at altitudes between 800–1,830 m.

Diet

Sunbitterns consume a wide range of animal prey, including insects such as cockroaches and dragonfly larvae, as well as invertebrates like crabs and earthworms. They also take vertebrate prey including fish, tadpoles, toads, frogs, eels and lizards.

Did you know?

Sunbitterns are among twelve bird species known to use lures to attract prey, a behaviour categorised as tool use, although this has only been observed in captive birds so far.