The boat-billed heron (Cochlearius cochlearius), colloquially known as the boatbill, is an atypical member of the heron family. It is the only member of the genus Cochlearius and was formerly placed in a monotypic family, the Cochleariidae.

Bizarre nocturnal heron of mangroves and freshwater marshes in tropical lowlands; spends the daytime roosting in trees, often in loose groups. Comes out at night to feed along the edge of lakes and rivers. Easily identified by huge ‘boat bill’ and big brown eyes.

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.

Jul 7, 2024 · The Boat-billed Heron is a distinctive and easily recognizable bird species thanks to its sizeable boat-shaped bill, stocky build, cryptic plumage, nocturnal behavior, vocalizations, solitary nature, and habitat preference.

The Boat-billed Heron is a bird of South and Central America. Breeding range: The Boat-billed Heron occurs coastal north central Mexico south to Peru, Bolivia and northeast Argentina. The race zeledoni (formerly including all Boat Bills from Mexico to the Nicaraguan border) is restricted to the Mexican west coast from Sinaloa to Guerrero.

Jul 13, 2023 · The Boat-billed Herons (Cochlearius cochlearius) – or simply Boatbills – are members of the heron family. The name Boat-billed Heron comes from its massive, dark, scooped-like bill. The appearance of adults and juveniles is different. Adults have large dark eyes and a black, bushy head.

Dec 23, 2015 · Boat-billed Herons are nocturnal feeders, primarily hunting at night. They use their specialized bill to scoop up fish, crustaceans, insects, and other small aquatic creatures. During the day, they are often seen resting in dense vegetation, …

The Boat-billed Heron, scientifically known as Cochlearius cochlearius, is a distinctive species in wetlands across Latin America. Characterized by its broad, scoop-shaped bill resembling a boat, this bird is specially adapted for nocturnal feeding.

A non-migratory bird, Boat-bills inhabit both fresh and salt water areas throughout Belize. They are found often in thickly vegetated rivers but are also known to hunt along beaches. Boat-billed Herons seem to be strongly nocturnal in their hunting behavior.

Learn about Boat-billed Heron (Northern): explore photos, sounds, and observations collected by birders around the world.