Boat-billed Heron
A species of Boat-billed Herons Scientific name : Cochlearius cochlearius Genus : Boat-billed Herons
Boat-billed Heron, A species of Boat-billed Herons
Botanical name: Cochlearius cochlearius
Genus: Boat-billed Herons
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Description People often ask General Info
Photo By Alastair Rae , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The boat-billed heron grows to about 54 cm (21 in) long. Adults are pale grey to white in color, with chestnut-colored abdomens and black flanks. The massive, broad, scoop-like bill, which gives rise to this species' name, is mainly black. This bird is also adorned with a crest which is thought to be used in mate attraction as it is larger in males. The sexes are similar in appearance, the main differences being that females are slightly smaller, grayer in appearance, and have shorter crests than males. Newly hatched nestlings have green-yellow skin, with their upperparts covered in gray down feathers. Their upper bill is black and they have green-yellow legs. Juveniles are darker in color than adults and lack a crest.
Size
51 cm
Life Expectancy
20 years
Nest Placement
Tree
Feeding Habits
Boat-billed Heron primarily feeds on shrimps, crustaceans, insects, amphibians, fish, and small mammals. Boat-billed Heron exhibits nocturnal foraging habits, uses its wide bill to scoop prey, and shows a preference for hunting in shallow waters with unique tactile adaptations.
Habitat
Boat-billed Heron typically inhabits dense vegetation near water bodies, favoring mangroves, marshes, and swamps within tropical and subtropical regions. They are also found along the margins of freshwater lakes and creeks, mainly in areas below 650 meters in elevation. Boat-billed Heron's preference for nocturnal foraging aligns with the sheltered, dimly-lit environments of their habitat, essential for their feeding and nesting practices.
Dite type
Aquatic invertebrate eater
People often ask
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Distribution Area
Boat-billed herons range from Mexico to Peru, Brazil, and northeastern Argentina. They are nonmigratory birds that tend to live in seasonal lagoons and estuaries, and nest in mangroves.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Photo By Alastair Rae , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Pelicans and Relatives Family
Herons Genus
Boat-billed Herons Species
Boat-billed Heron