Sunbittern

Eurypyga helias helias

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Sunbittern

“ In the Sun, I feel as one. ”

– Kurt Cobain

Scientific Taxonomy & Character Information

Domain: Eukaryota

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Reptilia

Order: Eurypygiformes

Family: Eurypygidae

Genus: Eurypyga

Species: Eurypyga helias (formerly as Ardea helias)

Subspecies: Eurypyga helias helias

Descendant: other birds

Named by: Peter Simon Pallas

Year Published: 1781

Size: 19-24 inches (50-60 centimeters) in length and weigh 6-7.5 ounces (171-214 grams).

Lifespan: 8–15 years

Activity: Diurnal 🌅

Thermoregulate: Endotherm

Type(s):

Reptiles (Archosaurs)
- Birds (Sunbitterns)

Title(s):

none

Other Name(s)/Alias(es):

Sun Heron

Pantheon(s):

Terran/Gaian 🇺🇳

Time Period: Early Eocene--Holocene

Alignment: Shy

Threat Level: ★★

Diet: Carnivorous 🥩🥓🐟🪲

Element(s): Air 🌬️, Light 🔆

Inflict(s): Lightblight 🔆, Sundered 💔

Weakness(es): Rock 🪨 (50% immune), Electric ⚡, Leaf 🌿, Ice ❄️

Casualties:

none

Based On:

Itself

Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC) – IUCN Red List

The Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) is a bittern-like bird of tropical regions of the Americas, and the sole member of the family Eurypygidae (sometimes spelled Eurypigidae) and genus Eurypyga and it is found in Central and South America, and has three subspecies.

In Earth Responsibly and Tangled series, this species was rebranded as the Terran Sunbittern to avoid the confusion with the other species of sunbittern in Sawintir.

Etymology

The term "sunbittern" refers to the sun-like pattern that is visible when the wings are spread. The final term, "bittern," represents the early European naturalists' belief that its posture and environment were similar to those of herons or bitterns.

Singular: sunbittern
Plural: sunbitterns

Physical Appearance

The bird has a generally subdued coloration, with fine linear patterns of black, grey and brown. Its remiges however have vividly colored middle webs, which with wings fully spread show bright eyespots in red, yellow, and black. These are shown to other sunbitterns in courtship and threat displays, or used to startle potential predators. Male and female adult sunbitterns can be differentiated by small differences in the feather patterns of the throat and head. Like some other birds, the sunbittern has powder down.

The sunbittern has a long and pointed bill that is black above, and a short hallux as in shorebirds and rails. In the South American subspecies found in lowlands east of the Andes, the upperparts are mainly brown, and the legs and lower mandible are orange-yellow. The two other subspecies are greyer above, and their legs and bill are sometimes redder.

The sunbittern shows both morphological and molecular similarities with the kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) of New Caledonia, indicating a gondwanic origin, both species being placed in the clade Eurypygiformes.

Abilities

Although the sunbittern's flight was strong, it was usually brief and low over water. The sunbittern is not a true swimmer; however, it can wade in shallow water and occasionally paddle for a short while if forced. The agility is quite adept in swiftly displaying its wings, moving fast to get prey, and walking on slippery rocks. The enigmatic sunbitterns display their enormous, eye-like wings when they feel threatened. The general category of tool use includes this kind of action. Sunbitterns have only shown this behavior in captivity thus far. Among all birds, this one boasts one of the most spectacular anti-predator displays.

In Rapunzel's universe, the sunbittern spits a gob of ivory-colored light energy at any adversaries or survivors that pose a serious threat.

Weather Phenomenon

Coming soon

Ecology

The sunbittern's diet consists of a variety of animals. Cockroaches, dragonfly larvae, flies, katydids, water beetles, and moths are among the many insects that are consumed. Crabs, spiders, shrimp, and earthworms are examples of other invertebrate prey. Additionally, they will consume vertebrate prey such as lizards, fish, tadpoles, frogs, eels, and toads.

The sunbittern's primary predators include dolphins, bull sharks, eagles, condors, crows, capuchin monkeys, caimans, anacondas, jaguars, and wild dogs.

Sunbitterns make flying displays 10–15 m (33–49 ft) high in the forest canopy prior to the start of the nesting season, which occurs in the early wet season. They lay two eggs with blotched patterns and construct open nests in trees. Despite being precocial, the young stay in the nest for a few weeks after hatching.

Reproduction

Breeding season: Varies regionally, often tied to rainfall.
Nest: Shallow platform of sticks, and they placed low in trees or shrubs near water.
Eggs: Usually 2 eggs.
Incubation: ~27–30 days, shared by both parents.
Chicks: Semi-altricial (partially helpless) and fed regurgitated food.
Parental care: Strong biparental care; adults defend nests vigorously.

Behavior

One of the 12 bird species in five families that have been reported to fish by luring prey to within striking distance is the sunbittern. The Sunbittern in particular is a much wanted species for anyone who hasn't seen one. This is because the bird is unique, odd, and defies shyness to humans.

Threats and Conservation

Threats

Habitat destruction (deforestation, river modification).
Water pollution.
Human disturbance near nesting sites.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)

Conservation Efforts

Wide geographic range.
Adaptability to undisturbed forest streams.
Habitat protection.
Anti-poaching enforcement.
Rescue and rehabilitation centers.
Awareness campaigns against illegal pet trade.

Distribution and Habitat

The sunbittern is found in Central and South America and has three subspecies. The three subspecies are recognized on the basis of plumage characters and size. The three subspecies are allopatric.

The sunbittern's range extends from Guatemala to Brazil. The nominate race, Eurypyga helias helias, is found east of the Andes in lowland tropical South America, from the Orinoco basin through the Amazon basin and Pantanal. The subspecies Eurypyga helias meridionalis has a more restricted distribution, being found along the East Andean slope in south-central Peru, in the lower subtropical zone at altitudes of 800–1,830 m (2,620–6,000 ft).

The final subspecies, Eurypyga helias major, is found at various altitudes ranging from southern Guatemala through Central America and the Chocó to western Ecuador. This subspecies may also be present in southern Mexico. It has been traditionally reported from the Atlantic slope of Chiapas, but no specimens are known and there have been no recent records.

Movement Pattern: Not a Migrant
Individual Type: Solo
Population Trend: Decreased/Increased
Population:
- Earth: 500,000-4,999,999
- Berbania (2500-present): ugh
- Reinachos: (2600-present): ugh
Locomotion: Airborne
Habitat: Temperate Coniferous Forests; Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests; Temperate Deciduous Forests; Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Subtropical Coniferous Forests; Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Salt Flats; Stone Forest; Tropical Coniferous Forests; Tropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Grasslands; Tropical Savannas and Shrublands; Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands, and Scrub; Mushroom Forests; Mushroom Fields; Deserts and Xeric Shrublands; Badlands; Flooded Grasslands and Savannas; Swamp; Bayous/Billabongs; Riparian; Wetland; Mangrove Forest; Cold Bamboo Forests; Tropical Bamboo Forests; Air-breathing Coral Reefs; Graveyard Vale; Mountain; Radiated Citadel; Volcano; Warm Ghost Town; Cold Ghost Town; Ruined Skyscraper.
Earth:
- Extant (Resident): Bolivia; Brazil; Colombia; Costa Rica; Ecuador; France (French Guiana); Guatemala; Guyana; Honduras; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Peru; Suriname; Venezuela
Berbania/Hirawhassa:
- Extant & Introduced (Resident): none
- Extinct: none
Reinachos/Ityosel:
- Extant: none
- Extinct: none
Thatrollwa/Delphia:
- Extant: none
- Extinct: none
Sawintir/Everrealm:
- Extant: none
- Extinct: none
Agarathos:
- Extant: none
- Extinct: none
Jotunheim:
- Extant: none
- Extinct: none