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Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias)

Heather Vlach Sunbittern at the Central Park Zoo.

Where found: In the tropical rainforests of Central and South America from southern Mexico to southeastern Brazil. Usually near wooded banks of rivers, streams, and ponds. At the Central Park Zoo this pair has recently been found nesting on a tree branch just off the upstairs landing of the Mezzanine level. The male and the female tend to be found together.
Diet: Mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. At the CPZ, these birds are fed kibble and meat.
Length: Adults may grow up to 18 inches.
Description: These primarily ground-dwelling birds have long, pale yellow legs and toes, allowing them to wade in the water for their food. Their spear-like beak seizes prey easily. The head is black with a white stripe over and under each eye. The chin and throat are also white. The rest of the plumage comes in an array of colors and speckled patterns. When they open their rounded wings, a brilliant yellow marking is visible underneath with a red eye-shaped pattern earning it the word “Sun” in its name.

Taveta golden weaver (Ploceus castaneiceps)
Where found: Swampy woodlands along coastal East Africa from Kenya to Tanzania. These beautiful yellow birds may be found flying all over the Tropic Zone of the Central Park Zoo. Since they are always on the move, it might be best to watch their basket-like nests, hanging from the palm trees throughout the building. When leaving the Tropic building, peek into the Desert exhibit to get a closer look.
Diet: Grass and corn.
Description: The males are bright yellow with an orange coloring across the nape and breast. The wings and tail are a greenish color. Females are a dull, yellowish-olive color with paler yellow under parts. They have a yellow stripe above each eye.

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