Boat-billed Heron
| Class: Aves: Birds |
Diet: Fish, shrimp |
| Order:
Ciconiiformes: Wading birds |
| Size: 45
- 50 cm (17 3/4 - 19 3/4 in) |
| Family: Ardeidae:
Herons, Bitterns |
Conservation Status:
Non-threatened |
| Scientific Name:
Cochlearius cochlearius |
Habitat: swamps and
wetlands |
| Range:
Mexico to Peru and Brazil |
 The
classification of this species has been the subject of some dispute,and
it is sometimes placed in a family on its own. Its only important distinction
from other herons is the broad, scoop-like bill. Boat-billed herons generally
feed at night on fish and shrimps. The bill seems to be extremely sensitive
and opens at the merest touch, drawing in water and prey; it is also used
with a scooping action. These birds perform bill-clattering and preening
displays, accompanied by vocal signals,at mating time. They nest alone
or in groups in trees and bushes. The female lays 2 to 4 eggs which both
parents incubate.
  
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