This small order of birds that includes only two living species, each in its own family. These unusual birds are found in very different parts of the world. The sunbittern lives near rivers and streams in tropical regions of Central and South America, while the kagu is found only on the island of New Caledonia in the South Pacific.

Eurypygiformes are medium-sized birds with long legs, long tails, and beautifully patterned feathers. They are usually weak fliers and spend much of their time walking on the ground or along the edges of water.

The sunbittern is famous for the large, colorful, eye-like patterns on its wings, which it spreads out when it feels threatened. The kagu has a soft gray body, a tall feather crest on its head, and is known for its loud calls.

These birds mainly eat insects, worms, small reptiles, and other small animals they find while hunting on the ground or in shallow water. Scientists once placed them in different bird groups, but modern DNA studies show that they belong together in their own unique order.

FAMILIES

Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)

Rhynochetidae (Kagu)