Sunbittern

Description:

The Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) is a bittern-like bird of tropical regions of the Americas, and the sole member of the family Eurypygidae (sometimes spelled Eurypigidae) and genus Eurypyga. It ranges from Mexico to southern Peru, showing three extant subspecies. The sunbittern is an elegant bird with long legs, a slender heron-like neck and a long bill. It is about 18 inches (45.7 cm) in length, with a stout body and relatively small head. The sunbittern's body plumage is full and soft with an intricate design of colors. The size, coloration and decoration of the sunbittern does not differ between males, females or even juveniles.

Habitat:

The Sunbittern's range extends from Guatemala to Brazil, in the humid Neotropical forests, generally with and open under-storey and near rivers and streams. They frequent the well-wooded banks of streams and creeks with shallow wading water and are found at elevations up to 3,000 feet (909 m).

Notes:

There were a pair of these beautiful birds that seemed to always be foraging somewhere along the river that flows below Rancho Naturalis in Costa Rica.