The boat-billed heron, 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. It lives in mangrove swamps from Mexico south to Peru and Brazil. It is a nocturnal bird, and breeds semicolonially in mangrove trees, laying two to four bluish-white eggs in a twig nest.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Found from eastern Mexico through Central America into northern and central South America, reaching Peru and much of Brazil. It favors coastal and riverine mangroves, brackish estuaries, and lowland freshwater swamps and lagoons. The species also uses shaded creek margins and flooded forests where overhanging branches provide cover. By day it roosts in thick vegetation; at night it forages along quiet, shallow waters.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The boat-billed heron is a nocturnal, mangrove-dwelling heron famed for its remarkably broad, boat-shaped bill adapted for scooping prey. It is the sole member of its genus and was once placed in its own family, reflecting its unusual morphology and habits. It breeds semicolonially in mangrove trees, typically laying two to four bluish-white eggs in twig nests. During the day it roosts quietly in dense foliage and becomes active at dusk.
Along the Tarcoles River, Costa Rica
The Tuxtla Statuette, a 2nd-century AD sculpture, is carved in the form of a boat-billed heron.
Temperament
shy and nocturnal
Flight Pattern
short, deliberate wingbeats; low, direct flight
Social Behavior
Often roosts singly or in small loose groups during the day and breeds semicolonially in mangrove stands. Nests are shallow platforms of sticks placed over water. Pairs defend a small area around the nest but tolerate close neighbors. Chicks are tended by both parents.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include low, guttural croaks and moans, often given at night from concealed perches. It may also produce bill-clattering at the nest. Calls carry well over still water in mangroves.
Plumage
Stocky heron with smooth grey upperparts and buff to rufous underparts, capped by a glossy black crown and nape. The throat is pale with a contrasting darker face and crown. Feathers appear sleek, with minimal streaking, emphasizing the massive, spatulate bill.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small fish, shrimp, crabs, aquatic insects, and tadpoles. It uses its wide bill to scoop and seize prey in shallow water, often employing slow, deliberate stalking. Foraging is typically tactile and visual in dim light, aided by the shaded mangrove environment. It may also glean prey from the water surface beneath overhanging branches.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along quiet, shallow edges of mangrove channels, lagoons, and slow-moving creeks. Frequently forages from low branches or roots over water, as well as by wading along muddy margins. Prefers areas with dense cover and minimal disturbance.
