The Sungrebe or American Finfoot Heliornis fulica, breeds in tropical Central and South America from southern Mexico to northeast Argentina and southern Brazil.
It is the only member of the genus Heliornis. The Heliornithidae family, to which it belongs, contains just two other species: the African Finfoot, Podica senegalensis, and the Masked Finfoot Heliopais personatus, which breeds in eastern India down through southeast Asia.
These tropical birds of swamps and marshes have broad lobes on their feet, similar to grebes. These are shy birds which swim in slow-flowing streams and secluded waterways, sometimes partly submerged, like an Anhinga.

This beautiful bird was photographed on the Sarapiqu River at Selva Verde. The feet look like something a child would dream up for Halloween.

• HOME COSTA RICA-J-Z > 
• Sungrebe >