sunbittern

The sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) is a distinctive tropical bird in the family Eurypygidae. It is the sole species in its genus and is remembered for its striking wing markings, which are displayed to startle predators. The bird is medium-sized and more terrestrial than many herons, with a relatively long bill.

Range and habitat: The sunbittern occurs from southern Mexico through Central America and into much of northern and central South America, including the Amazon Basin. It favors forested wetlands, riverbanks, mangroves, and riparian habitats in tropical lowlands and, occasionally, into mid elevations.

Description: Adults have brown upperparts and lighter underparts, with a long, slightly curved bill and a pale throat. The most distinctive feature is a pair of large pale spots on the wings, which are revealed when the bird spreads its wings in display—a behavior thought to deter predators.

Behavior and diet: Sunbitterns are generally shy and walk along water edges rather than fly. They forage by probing leaf litter and shallow water for insects, crustaceans, small fish, and amphibians. When alarmed, they may raise and spread their wings to reveal the eye-like spots.

Reproduction: They nest on the ground in dense vegetation, constructing a simple scrape. Clutch size is typically 2–4 eggs. Both parents participate in incubation and care of the young, with chicks hatching well-developed and mobile after a short period.

Conservation: The sunbittern is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its wide distribution and lack of a sharply declining population. Local threats include habitat alteration and deforestation, particularly in lowland wetlands.