Northern sunbittern (SciiFii)

The northern sunbittern (Eurypyga floridanus) is a species of bittern-like bird of the family Eurypygidae (sometimes spelled Eurypigidae) and genus Eurypyga that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, open woodlands, ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relative of the northern sunbitern is a southern sunbittern (Eurypyga helias). The northern sunbittern has a generally subdued coloration, with fine linear patterns of black, grey and brown. Its remiges however have vividly colored middle webs, which with wings fully spread show bright eyespots in red, yellow, and black. These are shown to other northern sunbitterns in courtship and threat displays, or used to startle potential predators. Male and female adult sunbitterns can be differentiated by small differences in the feather patterns of the throat and head. Like some other birds, the northern sunbitern has powder down. The northern sunbitern has a long and pointed bill that is black above, and a short hallux as in shorebirds and rails. The northern sunbitern consumes a wide range of animal prey. Insects form an important part of the diet, with cockroaches, dragonfly larvae, files, katydids, water beetles and moths being taken. Other invertebrate prey includes crabs, spiders, shrimps and earthworms. They will also take vertebrate prey including fish, tadpoles, toads and frogs, eels and lizards. Northern sunbitterns start nesting in the early wet season and before it starts they make flight displays 10–15 meters (33–49 feet) high in the forest canopy. They build open nests in trees, and lay two eggs with blotched markings. The young are precocial, but remain in the nest for several weeks after hatching. The conservation status of the northern sunbittern is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the northern sunbittern's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.