Unique and marvellous: a beauty with red ‘eyes’

ESPITE often being described as resembling a small horizontal heron, the sunbittern is not related to the bitterns or herons. Yet, like those avian fisher folk, it does have long legs and a long neck that propels a dagger-like beak. Also like herons (and some other birds), it possesses powder-down feathers: the continuously growing feathers which disintegrate, resemble talcum powder, oil the overall plumage and assist preening. Behaviourally, sunbitterns are similar to waders and rails. However, the species is unique enough to be the sole occupant of its own family. Its closest relation is believed to be the kagu , from New Caledonia – another unique bird species, with similarly soft feathers and broad wings. Both species perform a short-lived leaping dance, apparently out of sheer exuberance, unrelated to courtship and without an audience. One sunbittern I