Boat-billed Heron
Image: Isis I. Castro Alberto (cc-by)
NameBoat-billed Heron
Common NameBoat-billed Heron
Scientific NameCochlearius cochlearius
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)76
Length (cm)48
Weight (g)550
Plumage DetailsAdults have a prominent black cap and crest, white forehead and cheeks, pale grey underparts, and dark grey back and wings with rufous flanks. The large, broad bill is black. Juveniles, like the one pictured, are duller brownish-grey overall, with a less defined cap and often some streaking on the underparts.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a quiet bird, but can emit a deep, frog-like 'croak' or 'whoop' call, especially when disturbed or during breeding season at night.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsmangrove swamps, freshwater marshes, forested streams, ponds
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound from southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America, extending south to parts of Brazil, Bolivia, and northern Argentina.
Identifying FeaturesExtremely broad, boat-shaped bill, Nocturnal behavior, Stocky build, Adults with black cap and white face, Juveniles dull brownish-grey
Description
A distinctive, stocky, nocturnal heron known for its unusually broad, scoop-like bill. It typically perches quietly during the day in dense vegetation and hunts for aquatic prey in shallow waters at night.
