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The sunbittern walks silently along dark forest streams in search of snails, dragonflies, or other insects. Sunbitterns usually live alone and threaten intruders by displaying with wings and tail spread. In flight it has been said to resemble a giant butterfly.

side view of a sunbittern

Did You Know?

If a predator approaches a nest of baby chicks, one of the parents will pretend to have a broken wing to distract the hunter.

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Eurypyga helias

Range:
Southern Mexico to northern South America

Habitat:
Wetlands

Lifespan:
15 years

Zoo Location:
Birds of the World

Diet:
Insects and other small animals