The sun bitterns' homes range from Mexico on south through Central and South America. Fully grown, they are about 18 inches in length and have small heads with rather long necks. Their bodies are plump, and they have pretty tails composed of 16 feathers. The first part of their name was given because of their bright colors. Their small heads are a mixture of green, white and black, with sharp, blue beaks. Tails are decorated with bands of dark brown and spotted with crimson where they join their bodies. They have dark brown and white wavy lines on their wings. As a final decoration, their legs are orange.
While this coloring is very pretty, when one is excited or challenging another bird, the more visible beauty of its body shows more clearly with its wings extended. The tail, raised high at such times, has added beauty as well, and its whole appearance is quite amazing. With its long neck, head and long beak lifted high, it looks threatening. All in all, it is easy to see why they don't experience many challenges from other birds or animals.
Sun bitterns have a very graceful way of flying, usually with slow wing-beats, like those of pelicans. But if they become alarmed without warning, they quickly fly high into a tree. If this should happen late in the day, they just spend the whole night there.
Their nests are made of mud, leaves and grass and are built in the forks of tree branches, usually not very high above the ground. However, sometimes they build them right on the ground. In contrast to most other birds, they make no effort to hide these nests, probably because they are aware that they are not likely to be attacked.
Mother and father birds take turns incubating the two or three eggs for about a month. They also share in bringing food to the newborn chicks as soon as they hatch. One reason they like to nest near water is that they need a good supply of insects, small fish, frogs, lizards and other small creatures that are plentiful in such places. Just as soon as the chicks hatch, they are fed this kind of food.
The Bible often speaks of birds and the Creator's ever-watchful eyes looking out for them. For instance, in Matt. 10:2929Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. (Matthew 10:29) it says, "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father [knowing it]." Then verse 31 says, "Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." God the Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus, love you very much and want you to return that love from your own heart to Them as well. Do you enjoy Their love and return it?