The Sunbittern (Eurypiga helias) is a bittern-like bird of tropical America. It is however more closely related to the rails, but placed in a family of its own, Eurypigidae .

It frequents forest streams, hunting fish in the same way as a heron. The wings are patterned with black, grey and brown, and are displayed in courtship.

The domed nest is built in a tree. Two grey eggs are laid.

The relationships of this species are shown below

• Order GRUIFORMES
  • Family Aramidae: Limpkin
  • Family Psophiidae: trumpeters
  • Family Rallidae: crakes and rails
  • Family Heliornithidae: finfoots and Sungrebe
  • Family Rhynochetidae: Kagu
  • Family Eurypigidae
    • Sunbittern, Eurypiga helias
  • Family Cariamidae: seriemas
  • Family Otidae: bustards
  • Family Gruidae: cranes