Sunbittern
(Eurypyga helias)
Habitat
The sunbittern frequents the well-wooded banks of streams and creeks with shallow
wading water and is found at elevations up to 3,000 feet (909 m).
Physical
Characteristics
The
sunbittern is an elegant bird with long legs, a slender heron-like
neck and a long bill. It is about 18 inches (45.7 cm) in length, with
a stout body and relatively small head. The sunbittern’s body
plumage is full and soft with an intricate design of colors. The head
is almost all black with white striping above and below its ruby-red
eyes. The sunbittern’s neck, breast and shoulders are brown,
and the belly, throat and undertail are a pale buff white. Hidden under
the brown plumage is a rich orange-chestnut patch near the tip of each
wing. The lower jaw and legs are a bright orange color.
The
size, coloration and decoration of the sunbittern does not differ
between males, females or even juveniles. As a sunbittern spreads
its wings, it reveals conspicuous patches of chestnut and orange
on the primary wing feathers and bands of the same color across
the tail. This spectacular frontal display is for threat or defense
rather than courtship and is usually accompanied by a low hiss
and bowing.
With
its slow, deliberate walk on orange-colored legs and its long neck
held parallel to the ground, the sunbittern resembles the sun-flecked
forest interior.
Life
Span
Life span in the wild is unknown; up to 15 years in zoos
Diet
In the wild: Sunbitterns are usually found singly
or in pairs, walking with a deliberate gait along the muddy stream
or lake shores, among rocks, rushing water, or wading in shallow
waters. Sunbitterns hunt fish, amphibians, crustaceans and insects,
which they catch by striking quickly, using their long necks and
spear-like bills.
At
the zoo: Soaked dog chow, baby mice, smelt, greens,
fruit and tofu.
Reproduction
Nests are usually built in a tree or bush, 10
to 20 feet (3-6 m) above the ground, and less frequently on the ground.
Nests are made of sticks, mud and decaying vegetable material. The shallow
cup of the nest contains a clutch of two or three eggs. The eggs are
light brown or buff with dark spots and blotches. Both parents take turn
incubating the eggs, which hatch after 27-28 days. The male and female
protect and feed the chicks in turn during the first two weeks, never
leaving the nest unattended. Thereafter, chicks are left alone for several
hours each day as both parents hunt for food.
Graceful Flight
The sunbittern’s flight is light and graceful with slow wing beats. They
walk for the most part, periodically making short flapping flights across deep
water. When frightened, sunbitterns will fly to perch high in trees.
Location
at the Zoo
Woodland
Park Zoo’s sunbitterns are located
in the Tropical Rain Forest. As visitors enter the Tropical Rain
Forest, they are immersed in a garden of tropical rain forest plants
such as fan palms, bananas, cocoa, figs and hanging liana vines.
Look closely at the floor of the sunbittern’s exhibit because
they are well camouflaged.
Conservation Connection
While not currently endangered or threatened, sunbittern
populations are diminishing due to habitat loss.
How You Can Help!
The effort to save endangered species requires cooperation and support
at the international, national, regional and individual levels.
You can help in this cause. Join and become active in Woodland
Park Zoo and other conservation organizations of your choice. Recycle
forest products. Eliminate or reduce pesticide use.
Contact
Woodland Park Zoo at webkeeper@zoo.org to find out
about ways you can support conservation efforts at the zoo. Learn
other ways you can help conserve wildlife and the habitats they require
for survival by visiting our How You Can Help page.
Sources and Suggested Reading
Blake, Emmet R. 1977. Manual
of Neotropical Birds, Volume 1. The University of Chicago Press,
Chicago, IL. 674 p.
Harrison, Dr. C.J.O. 1978. Birds
Families of the World. Harry N. Abrams, Inc., New York, NY.
264 p.
Hoyo, Josep del, et. al.
1997. Handbook of the Birds of the World, Volume 3. Lynx Edicions,
Barcelona, Spain. 821 p.
Scott, Sir Peter. 1974. The
World Atlas of Birds. Crescent Books, New York, NY. 272 p.