Abstract
The sun bittern (Eurypyga helias)
ranges from southern Mexico to southern
Peru. It is about 45 ems. in length
and in general appearance and movements
these elegant birds somewhat
resemble herons but, in fact, are much
more closely related to rails. The top
and sides of the head are black with a
white stripe above and below the eyes.
The upper part of the body is finely
barred grey, brown and olive with
slightly paler underparts. The tail is narrowly
barred black and white with two
broad bands of black and chestnut.
When threatened or alarmed their wing
display reveals a striking pattern of
yellow, black and grey with a central
patch of red-orange. The iris is deep red,
the upper mandible is dark and the
lower mandible is pale orange, as are the
feet and legs.