Scientific name Cochlearius cochlearius Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Family Ardeidae Higher classification Cochlearius | |
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Genus CochleariusBrisson, 1760 Similar Bird, Heron, Bare‑throated tiger heron, Rufescent tiger heron, Agami heron | ||
Boat billed heron
The boat-billed heron (Cochlearius cochlearius), colloquially known as the boatbill, is an atypical member of the heron family, and was formerly thought to be in a monotypic family, Cochlearidae. It lives in mangrove swamps from Mexico south to Peru and Brazil. It is a nocturnal bird, and breeds semi-colonially in mangrove trees, laying 2–4 bluish white eggs in a twig nest.
Contents
Boat billed heron arapap cochlearius cochlearius puro pulso nov 2015
Description
The boat-billed heron is about 54 cm long. The adult's crown, long crest and upper back are black. The face, throat and breast are white, and the lower underparts are rufous with black flanks. The wings and lower back are pale grey. The massive broad scoop-like bill, which gives rise to this species' name, is mainly black. Immature birds have mainly brown upperparts and brown-tinged whitish underparts, and lack the crest.
Diet
This species feeds on fish, rodents, eggs, crustaceans, insects and amphibians. Its calls include a deep croak and a high-pitched pee-pee-pee.
