Sunbittern

Latin Name
Eurypyga helias

Class
Birds

Order
Gruiformes

Description

An intricately patterned bird, the sunbittern has a blue head with white strips above and below the eye. The bird's back features alternating black, white, blue and brown stripes, which help the bird blend into the forest habitats where it lives. The sunbittern can spread its wings to display large red, yellow and black spots, which can scare away predators, who mistake the markings for eyes.


 
Range

The sunbittern can be found from southern Mexico to Bolivia and Brazil.


Status

Common. Lincoln Park Zoo participates in the Sunbittern Species Survival Plan®, a shared management effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.


Habitat

This species often inhabits forested creeks and streams.


Niche

The sunbittern uses its long, pointed beak to spear the fish that make up its diet.


Life History

The brightly colored patterns on the sunbittern's wings can also be used to attract mates or drive away rivals. Sunbitterns make their nests from sticks, mud and leaves, and both parents cooperate in rearing their young.



Bonus Content

A sunbittern chick is nurtured in the nest back in June.

Happy Valentine’s Day!
We celebrate the cute and cuddly aspect of the holiday by looking back at photos from a year of new arrivals, including baby takins, zebras, birds and gorillas.

 

Lincoln Park Zoo Exhibit

McCormick Bird House