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SPECIES PROFILE
Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias)
Eurypyga
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Central and South America
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Forest streams and rivers
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Eurypygiformes
FAMILY
Eurypygidae
GENUS
Eurypyga
📋 Description
SIZE
Up to 48 cm long
COLORATION
Cryptic brown, grey and black; wings hide bold 'eyespots'
ADAPTATIONS
Opens wings to reveal sun-like eyespots that startle predators
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Forest streams and rivers
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Central and South America
REPRODUCTION
2 eggs in a tree nest
DIET DETAILS
Insects, fish and small amphibians
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
When threatened it spreads its wings into a pair of huge glowing 'eyes' to scare enemies.
2
It is so unusual it sits in a bird order all of its own, with just one close relative.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Otun Quimbaya Sanctuary
Amacayacu NP
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Walk quietly along forest streams; the shy sunbittern forages at the water's edge and flashes its wings if alarmed.
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