Sunbittern

This slim, solitary bird has a blackish, slate-colored head with two white stripes on either side of the face. Its body is mottled, brown with black, and it has some white marks. A long, pointed black and orange bill and red eyes are distinctive.

Diet

The sunbittern's diet consists of large insects, small fish, frogs, and crayfish.

Size

Sunbitterns average about 18–20 inches in length.

Range

Sunbitterns are found in Central America and northern South America from Guatemala to northern Brazil, and are usually seen on the ground near forest pools and streams.

Population Status

Sunbitterns are not threatened.

Predators

Predators include birds of prey, caiman, and snakes. Sunbittern chicks and eggs may also be eaten by small mammals and snakes.

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