The Sunbittern is a bittern-like bird of tropical regions of the Americas, and the sole member of the family 'Eurypygidae' and genus 'Eurypyga'. It is found in Central and South America, and has three subspecies. The sunbittern shows both morphological and molecular similarities with the kagu of New Caledonia, indicating a gondwanic origin, both species being placed in the clade 'Eurypygiformes'.

The Sunbittern extends from Guatemala to Brazil.It is found in lower subtropical zones at altitudes of 800–1,830 m (2,620–6,000 ft). The bird has a generally subdued coloration, with fine linear patterns of black, grey and brown. Its remiges however have vividly colored middle webs, which with wings fully spread show bright eyespots in red, yellow, and black. These are shown to other Sunbitterns in courtship and threat displays, or used to startle potential predators. Male and female adult Sunbitterns can be differentiated by small differences in the feather patterns of the throat and head.

The Sunbittern consumes a wide range of animal prey. Insects form an important part of the diet, with cockroaches, dragonfly larvae, flies, katydids, water beetles and moths being taken. Other invertebrate prey includes crabs, spiders, shrimps and earthworms. They will also take vertebrate prey including fish, tadpoles, toads and frogs, eels and lizards.

Sunbitterns are not currently endangered or threatened, but their populations are shrinking due to habitat loss.

More Info: en.m.wikipedia.org