Meet the Sun-Bittern

The sun-bittern, an aquatic bird, lives by wooded banks of rivers, streams, and bonds in the rainforests and swamps of Central and South America.  


It feeds on fish, frogs, insects, and crustaceans.  Hunting while wading in shallow water, the bittern uses its beak to stab prey.


This fellow lives in a flight structure complete with stream and dining at the San Diego Zoo's Safari Park.

  

Camouflaged in brown and black, its body extends 23 inches when on the hunt.




When the bittern spreads its wings,  orange and black "eyespots" appear.

He shows off to defend his territory or attract a female.