Boat-billed Heron

The Boat-Billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) ranges from Mexico to West Ecuador, Bolivia and North Argentina. It is seen in wooded riverbanks, estuaries, swamp and pond margins, and mangroves. It size is of 51 cm (20 inches) and its weight is of 600 g.

This stocky bird has a big head with large and dark eyes. Whit forehead and throat white; crown, long bushy crest, and patch at base of hindneck black. Rest of upperparts are dull ash-gray. Bill and facial skin black, and legs yellow-green. By day roots in groups of up to 50 in trees, at nigh solitary when fishing.