Boat-billed Heron
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/29237715@N05">Noel Reynolds</a> (CC BY 2.0)
NameBoat-billed Heron
Common NameBoat-billed Heron
Scientific NameCochlearius cochlearius
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)76
Length (cm)54
Weight (g)520
Plumage DetailsAdults have a black cap and crest, a pale greyish-white face, and a broad, dark blue-grey bill. The upperparts are brownish-grey, and the underparts are rufous-brown with a darker belly.
Vocalization / CallGenerally quiet, but can produce a deep 'croak' or 'whoop' call, especially at night or when disturbed. They also make bill-clacking sounds.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsmangrove swamps, freshwater swamps, lagoons, marshes, wetlands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound from Mexico south through Central America to northern Argentina and southern Brazil.
Identifying Featuresextremely broad, boat-shaped bill, dark cap and crest, pale face, nocturnal habits, stocky build
Description
This medium-sized, nocturnal heron is characterized by its remarkably broad, scoop-like bill, which it uses to catch prey in shallow water. It typically perches low over water, waiting to ambush fish, crustaceans, and insects, often found in dense wetland vegetation.
