Boat-Billed Heron Skull Replica

Description

Boat-Billed Heron Skull Replica (Cochlearius cochlearius) Information

Boat-billed heron skull replica measures 4.5″. Cochlearius cochlearius skull is museum-quality polyurethane resin cast, 2-part skull (separate cranium & mandible). 1:1. Made in USA.

Description:

The boat-billed heron grows to about 54 cm (21 in) long. Adults are pale grey to white in color, with chestnut-colored abdomens and black flanks. The massive, broad, scoop-like bill, which gives rise to this species’ name, is mainly black.

This bird is also adorned with a crest which is thought to be used in mate attraction as it is larger in males. The sexes are similar in appearance, the main differences being that females are slightly smaller, grayer in appearance, and have shorter crests than males.

Newly hatched nestlings have green-yellow skin, with their upperparts covered in gray down feathers. Their upper bill is black, and they have green-yellow legs. Juveniles are darker in color than adults and lack a crest.

Distribution and Habitat

Boat-billed herons range from Mexico to Peru, Brazil, and northeastern Argentina. They are nonmigratory birds that tend to live in seasonal lagoons and estuaries, and nest in mangroves.

The Boat-billed heron grows to about 21 in. long. Adults are pale grey to white in color, with chestnut-colored abdomens and black flanks. The massive, broad, scoop-like bill, which gives rise to this species’ name, is mainly black.

This bird is also adorned with a crest which is thought to be used in mate attraction as it is larger in males. The sexes are similar in appearance, the main differences being that females are slightly smaller, grayer in appearance, and have shorter crests than males.

Behavior and ecology:

Breeding

Boat-billed herons breed during the rainy season and have been recorded as producing two clutches during this time, laying their first clutch in February during the end of the dry season. Their clutch sizes range from two to four eggs, with more eggs being laid during the first nesting period than the second.

They usually nest in colonies but have been observed nesting solitarily. Human disturbance can decrease reproductive success, as herons tend to avoid human contact and will abandon nests if necessary.

Food and Feeding:

Boat-billed herons feed on small mammals, amphibians, annelids, molluscs, insects, crabs, shrimp such as Penaeus and Macrobrachium. Other fish preyed upon include mullet, snook, and catfish. They tend to forage in vegetative streams, shallow water, and lagoons.

When foraging in streams, they use low-hanging branches and mangrove roots to stand over the water. In ponds, they walk slowly through the water up to 4 in. deep or will forage near the water’s edge.

In order to capture prey they lunge at fish or scoop the surface of the water with their bills which are uniquely shaped for this method of capture.

Additionally, they have been observed standing and slowly stalking prey, or disturbing the water and chasing prey. Boat-billed herons will forage nocturnally and have been seen leaving the roost 30 minutes after sundown to feed.

Scientific classification:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Pelecaniformes
• Family: Ardeidae
• Subfamily: Tigriornithinae
• Genus: Cochlearius Brisson, 1760
• Species: C. cochlearius
• Binomial name: Cochlearius cochlearius (Linnaeus, 1766)
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)

The cochlearius cochlearius features a uniquely broad, scoop-like bill. Biologists use this specimen to study the specialized feeding mechanics and facial morphology of this nocturnal heron. Coordinate with the brown pelican, American white pelican, and roseate spoonbill. Add more wading bird specimens from our bird or aves replica store.