Sunbittern

The sunbittern is a captivating bird native to the tropical regions of the Americas. It is the sole member of the family Eurypygidae and belongs to the genus Eurypyga. Interestingly, it is closely related to the kagu of New Caledonia, and both are part of the clade Eurypygiformes. There are three subspecies of the sunbittern: the Amazonian sunbittern, the northern sunbittern, and the foothill sunbittern.

This bird is recognized for its subtle overall coloration, but it has strikingly colorful wing patterns displayed during courtship and when it feels threatened. The sunbittern also features a long bill, orange-yellow legs, and a unique characteristic called powder down.

The sunbittern's range extends from Guatemala down to Brazil, with each subspecies inhabiting specific regions. They prefer humid Neotropical forests, especially areas near water. Sunbitterns are known for their reclusive nature and have a distinctive behavior of displaying their wings to mimic eyes when they sense danger. Their diet is diverse, including insects, invertebrates, and small vertebrates. Remarkably, they have been observed using baits or lures to catch fish, a behavior considered a form of tool use.

In terms of breeding, sunbitterns nest in trees and typically lay two eggs with blotchy markings. The chicks are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile from the moment they hatch, but they remain in the nest for several weeks.