Sunbittern

Eurypyga helias

Animal Class: Birds

Length: 19-24 inches

Weight: 6-7.6 ounces

Lifespan: Wild lifespan is unknown, but in human care, they’ve lived to be 15-30 years old

Diet: A variety of animals in a variety of sizes from cockroaches to larger eels, amphibians, and lizards.

Habitat: Forests near water throughout Central and South America, from Guatemala to Brazil

Description: When their wings are closed, sunbitterns appear to be black, grey, and brown striped with bright red eyes. However, this species’ most striking features are the bright red and black “eye” patches on its outstretched wings. Along with a fanned out tail, the sunbittern flashes its open wings in courtship displays and to deter predators.

Our Animals: Petrie