What is the origin of the name 'Sunbittern'?

As previously mentioned, the name 'Sunbittern' directly relates to the distinctive patterns on its wings. In Japanese, it's called 'Janomedori', which translates to 'snake-eye bird', named so because the patterns revealed when it spreads its wings resemble snake eyes.

The English name 'Sunbittern' might derive from the bird's vibrant appearance, which is as colorful as the sun. The perception of its appearance differs between Japan and other countries, but its striking beauty universally inspires the names it's given.

Did you know that birds, like flowers, have symbolic meanings? For the sunbittern, it symbolizes 'unexpected talent', likely referring to the surprising patterns that appear only when it spreads its wings.

Why does the sunbittern live there?

The sunbittern inhabits tropical rainforests up to an elevation of 1830 meters, which is about half the height of Mount Fuji, although still quite elevated. They live near rivers, ponds, and damp grasslands within these forests.

Sunbitterns might be seen alone, in pairs, or with their family, though they typically do not form large flocks. Their activities peak during the day, and at night they rest, mainly on the ground or in trees. While they are capable swimmers and fliers, they seldom choose to fly, perhaps to avoid startling potential predators. However, they will fly to escape if threatened.

Interestingly, sunbitterns rarely vocalize. When they do, their calls are not loud but rather serene and extended, perhaps communicating quietly with family members through subtle cues or even a form of telepathy.

What does the sunbittern eat?

Sunbitterns feed on insects, spiders, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, frogs, and tadpoles. Their habitat near rivers and damp grasslands provides a diverse diet.

They use their long necks to help locate food, moving slowly and methodically while keeping their bodies parallel to the ground. This posture allows them to see food from afar and snatch it up using their long beaks.

Their long legs also play a crucial role, enabling them to move silently and efficiently while hunting, making the most of their unique body structure.

Is the sunbittern's colorful appearance a disadvantage for avoiding predators?

While it might seem that their vivid colors would make sunbitterns easy targets for predators, their coloration actually helps them blend into the colorful backdrop of the tropical rainforest. Just as an artist uses a variety of colors to depict nature, the sunbittern's plumage mimics the varied hues found in their natural habitat, effectively camouflaging them.

Additionally, their quiet movement minimizes their presence, making them harder for predators to detect despite their colorful appearance.

Does the sunbittern only spread its wings when flying?

Besides flying, sunbitterns spread their wings for intimidation and courtship. They display their striking wing patterns when threatened or to startle predators, making themselves appear larger and more formidable.

During courtship, they also spread their wings to show off their size and patterns, which are crucial for attracting mates. Similarly, parents might spread their wings to protect their young, mimicking larger birds to scare off potential threats.

How do sunbitterns reproduce?

Sunbitterns breed during the rainy season. After successful courtship, they build nests in trees near water bodies, collaborating to create the nest from dry leaves, moss, and mud. They lay 1-3 eggs, which are pale yellow with gray or black speckles.

Both parents share the duty of incubating the eggs for about 30 days. After hatching, both parents care for the chicks, which quickly begin to grow feathers similar to adult plumage. Though they change feathers rapidly, the chicks still rely on their parents for food until they are ready to leave the nest, which usually happens between 21 to 30 days after hatching.