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Aves - Neognathae - Gruiformes - Eurypygidae - Eurypyga - Eurypyga helias

Sternum (Breast Bone) of a Eurypyga helias (Sunbittern)

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Species Description
The Sunbittern, the only member of its family (Eurypygidae), lives in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins and northward into southern Central America. A waterbird, it hunts near wooded streams in much the same way as herons do – by waiting motionless in shallow water and striking prey with its bill. The Sunbittern is recognizable by the bright eyespots (red, yellow and black) on the flight feathers; the spots are used during courtship and to frighten predators. Although it is similar in behavior to the herons, its taxonomic relationships are uncertain. The Sunbittern is believed to be closely related to the Kagu, but other relationships are unclear.
Skeletal Elements Available

Sternum (Breast Bone)

External Links
Animal Diversity Web Encyclopedia of Life Wikipedia Sunbittern Page