Sunbittern Eurypygidae
Sunbitterns are restricted to humid Neotropical forests, typically in the vicinity of lowland slow-flowing streams, and fast-flowing mountain rivers. They appear heron-like, but have shorter legs, and their cryptically colored bodies are held horizontally. As a defense mechanism, when they spread their large wings, a semi-circular chestnut "sunspot" on each wing is revealed. These "sunspots" could easily be mistaken as fearsome eyes to any potential predator.


Eurypyga

The Sunbittern is the sole member of the family.

Sunbitterns Eurypyga helias are fairly difficult to see, but once found, they are relatively retiring and not too shy. They do not readily take to flight, preferring to walk away when approached. They are resident from Guatemala, south to eastern Bolivia, and central Brazil. This bird was one of two that I observed in the grounds of the Hotel Gavilan, near La Selva, Heredia, Costa Rica.







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Tony@artfullbirds.com