Sunbittern
(Eurypyga helias)
Classification
and Range
The
sunbittern is the only member of the Eurypygidae family
of birds and is related to rails and bustards.
The
sunbittern's range is confined to the tropical areas ranging
from
Guatemala to northern Brazil.
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).
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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.
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Range Map |
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.
This
spectacular frontal display is for threat or defense rather than courtship
and is usually
accompanied by a low hiss and bowing.
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 ways you can support conservation programs at the zoo. Learn other ways
you can help conserve wildlife and their habitats 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.
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