Boatbill: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The Boatbill, Cochlearius cochlearius, is an odd bird related to the herons. It derives its name from its broad scoop-like bill.

It lives in mangrove swamps from Mexico south to Peru and Brazil.

It is nocturnal, and nests in trees, laying 2-4 eggs.

The Boatbill makes up one of the families in the order Ciconiiformes, which also includes other wading bird groups:

Ciconiiformes

• Ardeidae herons and bitterns
• Cochlearidae: Boatbill
• Balaenicipitidae Shoebill
• Scopidae Hammerkop
• Ciconiidae: storks
• Threskiornithidae ibises and spoonbills
• Phoenicopteridae flamingos

However, it is also often considered to be a heron in the family Ardeidae, rather than being given family status.