Sunbittern

Eurypyga helias
Sonnenralle

Classification: Eurypygidae
Distribution: central South America
Habitat: humid forest near water
Size: 43 – 48 cm
Weight: approx. 200 g
Clutch size: 1 – 2 eggs
Incubation: approx. 30 days
Diet: fish, invertebrates, insects

The Sunbittern is the sole member of the family Eurypygidae. It is a carnivorous bird of quite large size. The Sunbittern is a solitary bird found in pairs for breeding. They use the same breeding site every year.

The Sunbittern displays its large wings that show patches with the shape of eyes to threaten others.

They forage in shallow water and pick up prey with their long beak. Some indigenous people keep the birds to control spiders and flies in their homes.