A bittern shaped bird the Sunbittern gets both its common and scientific names from its beautiful cryptic coloration on it's back and wings. This coloration not only provides camouflage while foraging on the forest floor but also provides a stunning display during courtship. In addition when startled the sunbittern will spread it's wings to intimidate potential predators. The frontal display performed on the ground is used only in defense. While the courtship display is given in  flight. The birds have a very distinctive whistle.