The Sunbittern
Stalking along quiet riverbanks on bright red legs,
the Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias; plate 12- 56) hunts
fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and insects, which
it captures by striking quickly, using its long neck
and spear- like bill. With a sharply defined white line
above and below the eye, and complexly patterned
plumage, the Sunbittern blends well in the sun- flecked
forest interior. When displaying, it spreads its wings,
revealing bright chestnut, yellow, black, and white
“sunbursts” that give the bird its name (plate 12- 57).
Like the Hoatzin, the Sunbittern is the only species in
its family, Eurypygidae, and its order, Eurypygiformes.
Its low whistled call is commonly heard at dawn and
dusk along stream edges.
The Sungrebe
Swimming inconspicuously beneath shaded roots
along quiet, slow- moving streams, the Sungrebe
(Heliornis fulica; plate 12- 58) goes about its business
of seeking food. Its diet comprises mostly insects,
fish, and various crustaceans. It is a challenge to spot
a Sungrebe, as it is usually solitary and unobtrusive
and often stays in deep shade. Like the Sunbittern, the
Sungrebe is found throughout appropriate riverine
habitats in Central America and all of Amazonia. It
is the single Neotropical species of the finfoot family
(Heliornithidae), comprised of three species; one
species occurs in much of Africa and the third is found
in tropical Asia.
Screamers
Three species of screamers (family Anhimidae, order
Anseriformes) are found along slow rivers, swamps,
and marshes throughout South America. Screamers
are most closely related to ducks and geese. The name
screamer comes from their characteristic loud, piercing
calls. Screamers, though bulky birds, are excellent
fliers and frequently perch in riverside trees. They are
unique in their possession of a layer of air between
their skin and muscle, and the buoyancy provided by
this “inner tube” may aid them in soaring. Look closely
at the vultures overhead. There may be a screamer or
two soaring among them.
The Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta; plate 12- 59)
occurs throughout northeastern South America and is
common in the Venezuelan Llanos and throughout
Plate 12- 56. The elegant Sunbittern is easily overlooked as it
skulks along shaded edges of quiet streams and slow rivers.
Photo by James Adams.Plate 12- 57. Sunbittern displaying its remarkable wing
patterning. Photo by Gina Nichol.Plate 12- 58. Sungrebe male. Females look similar but have a
buffy rather than white cheek patch. Photo by John Kricher.226 chapter 12 cruising the rivers to the sea