FAMILY EURYPYGID^E 



This little bird is exceedingly common on the 

 lily pads and water hyacinths along the Chilibri 

 River ; often seen also about the shallow parts 

 of Gatun Lake. The greenish yellow area on 

 the wings is conspicuous as it flies, so that its 

 appearance is totally different from that of any 

 other bird. It does not have the retiring and 

 secretive habits of the rail family, but is quite 

 willing to be seen out in the open on the muddy 

 shores or floating vegetation. 



15. Family EURYPYGID^ 

 The Sun Bitterns 



This tropical American family consists 

 only of the species here described and one 

 other of the same genus. They have varie- 

 gated plumage, moderately long neck and 

 legs, the tail is rather long, broad and rounded 

 when spread, and the bill rather slender, 

 nearly straight and not very acute. They 

 frequent rivers and inland waters and are 

 said to feed largely on insects. 



i. Eurypyga major Hartlaub 

 Greater Sun Bittern. "Pairta de Tierra" 



Length, about 432 mm. (17.00 in.); tail about 

 153 mm. (6.00 in.). 



Sexes similar. Top and sides of head black, 



a white streak through the cheeks; neck brown 



shading to cinnamon buff on the chest and finely 



barred with blackish ; the upper back more cinna- 



76 



