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Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias)

Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) The sunbittern is found in the Amazon and Orinoco basins and in Central America.
It is unmistakable and so unique that it is placed in its own family. Although it looks and acts a bit like a heron it seems to be most closely related to the Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus of New Caledonia, near Australia, so this relationship might go back to when Gondwanaland existed.
When alarmed the sunbittern tries to ward off the threat by displaying enormous eye patterns on its wings.
(source: http://www.arthurgrosset.com/sabirds/sunbittern.html)

(Picture taken at papagaaienpark Veldhoven) Eurypyga helias,Geotagged,Sunbittern,The Netherlands

The sunbittern is found in the Amazon and Orinoco basins and in Central America.
It is unmistakable and so unique that it is placed in its own family. Although it looks and acts a bit like a heron it seems to be most closely related to the Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus of New Caledonia, near Australia, so this relationship might go back to when Gondwanaland existed.
When alarmed the sunbittern tries to ward off the threat by displaying enormous eye patterns on its wings.
(source: http://www.arthurgrosset.com/sabirds/sunbittern.html)

(Picture taken at papagaaienpark Veldhoven)

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  1. View Lion class
    Lion Class 12 of 12
    View fchristant's profile
    fchristant Posted 4 months ago
    +1
    Such a pretty bird. Here's a video of its display:

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