Boat-billed Heron - Cochlearius cochlearius

Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius

Boat-billed Heron, Pixaim River, Pantanal, Mato Grosso, Brazil, December 2006 - click for larger image

Brazil and Honduras
December 2006

The Boat-billed Heron is distributed from southern Mexico through Central America and into northern South America east of the Andes down to the mouth of the River Plate. See the distribution map at Birdlife International. It is found on the margins of freshwater rivers and lakes as well as in mangroves along coastal rivers.

It is notable for its massive bill, white forehead and large dark eyes.

The large eyes are an indication of the crepuscular nature of the bird. As a result they are generally difficult to see as, during the day, they roost hidden away up trees.

We noticed the bird in photos 1 and 2 at 4:30 p.m. but too late not to disturb it.

Boat-billed Heron, Cuero y Salado, Honduras, March 2015 - click for larger image

They use their large bill to scoop up shrimps, insects, frogs and fish and tend to employ the "Standing Still" technique of feeding. The scientific name is derived from "cochlearium", the Latin for a spoon.

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