The Sunbittern is unmistakable and so unique that it is placed in its own family. Although it looks and acts a bit like a heron it seems to be most closely related to the Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus of New Caledonia, near Australia, so this relationship might go back to when Gondwanaland existed.

An impressive sight is when the Sunbittern is alarmed and tries to ward off the threat by displaying the enormous eye patterns on its wings. You can see the pattern though not the full effect in photo 4.

Jeremy Minns has recorded both the song and the call.