Sunbittern

The Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias). Read in Spanish

Appearance: The Sunbittern has a distinctive appearance with a deep chestnut body, intricate black and white patterns on its wings, a small head with a long neck, and a yellow bill. One of its most striking features is its wings, which display eyespot patterns that serve as camouflage and may startle predators. There are 3 subspecies:

• Eurypyga (helias) major – Northern Sunbittern is found  in the South of Mexico, Guatemala and West of Ecuador. 
• Eurypyga (helias) meridionalis – Sur y centro de Perú (Junín y Cuzco)
• Eurypyga (helias) helias – Amazonian Sunbittern is found in Colombia in the Llanos and Amazon, Venezuela, las Guayanas, la Amazonia de Brasil y el este de Bolivia.

Habitat: The Sunbittern can be found in regions such as the Amazon Rainforest, the Andean slopes, and wetland areas. It prefers habitats with dense vegetation near water bodies where it can forage for small aquatic prey.

Behavior: The Sunbittern in Colombia is primarily active during the day, where it can be seen slowly moving along the water's edge in search of food. It is a solitary and secretive bird that relies on its camouflaged plumage to blend in with its surroundings.

Diet: The diet of the Sunbittern consists of a variety of aquatic prey, including fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and insects. It uses its long bill to probe and capture prey in shallow waters.

Conservation Status: The Sunbittern faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation, pollution, and human disturbance. Conservation efforts are essential to protect its habitats and ensure the continued survival of this species in the country.