The Sunbittern is a bittern-like bird native to tropical America. It is the only member of the Eurypygidae family. It has three subspecies and is distributed throughout Central and South America. The Sunbittern and the Kagu of New Caledonia have morphological and molecular similarities, indicating a Gondwanan origin, with both species belonging to the Eurypygiformes group.
The Sunbittern gets its name from its wing patterns, which include an orange-chestnut shield placed in an orange-buff circle that resembles the setting sun. The remaining bird’s plumage is barred, striped, and mottled in black, white, brown, grey, and olive colors. The long legs are a vibrant orange color. The bill is long and thin, as is the neck. Sunbitterns blend in with their surroundings when their wings and tails are folded.
Distribution















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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No