Eurypyga helias helias

(Pallas, 1781)

Vernacular names
English : Amazonian sunbittern
French : Caurale soleil

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Eurypygiformes
Family : Eurypygidae
Notes : 2 other subspecies known

Identification
Adults can reach a length of 48 cm and a weight of 295 g. Small head, elongated neck and long bill. Black head with white bands, Brown plumage with black, reddish and grey bands on wings. Yellow legs, yellow and black bill.

Range and habitat
This subspecies is found east of the Andes, from Colombia to Guianas, south to east Bolivia and Central Brazil. Species occurs from South Mexico to Peru. Lives in tropical humid forests, always near water, up to 1850 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is thought to be at least locally common but its inconspicuous nature makes it difficult to spot. Occurs in protected areas.
Ex-Situ Programs : ESB in Europe

Observation
Dallas World Aquarium (USA), Zoo Frankfurt (Germany), Private collections

 

Back to “Storks, kagu and sunbittern” page